Glass
Book_jA/j_iJll
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF WINCHENDON,
FROM THE
GRANT OF THE TOWNSHIP
BT
THE LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS
IN 1735,
TO THE PRESENT TIME.
BY EZRA HYDE,
j!^*fTO»
WORCESTER:
PRINTED BY HENBY J. HOWLAND,
199 Main Street. #
Eatered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by
EZRA HYDE,
in the Clerk's OflBce of the District Court of Massachusetts.
TO THE YOUTH OF WINCH ENDON.
Having a desire of rescuing from oblivion a series of
facts, many of which u^ill be interesting to the inhabitants
of Winchendon, when the present generation shall be gone,
it is believed, is a sufficient apology for publishing the fol-
lowing history.
The editor would rejoice with you, that our happy lot is
cast in such a land as this, in which is the knowledge of
the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, a land of liberty both
religious and civil.
Let us, for a moment, take a retrospective view of the
time when our forefathers fled from persecution in Eng-
land, their native country, and sought an asylum in this
then barren wilderness. Here they patiently endured al-
most intolerable hardships. But they flourished and grew
to a people and a nation.
At length, being oppressed by the mother country, they
resisted her unjust encroachments and tyrannical usurpa'
tions, and would not submit to her unjust demands. And
what was the consequence ? Why, a long, a destructive,
a terrible war ensued, in which many lives and much prop-
erty were lost. Our fathers fought, they bled, they con-
quered ; and obtained for their posterity that invaluable
blessing, Independence.
Surely, these considerations cannot do less than excite
in us the warmest emotions of gratitude towards the mem-
ories of those who, under God, obtained for us our Free-
dom and Independence.
IV TO THE YOUTH OF WINCHENDON.
Beloved youth, you are the hope of your country. But
all depends on your improvement of early instruction.
The diligent study of the Bible ought, in the first place,
to be most earnestly recommended to you. From that
sacred fountain you will learn what you ought to believe,
and what is your duty towards your Creator, your neigh-
bor, and yourselves. In the Bible are made known the
mind and will of God, and our duty, and the way of sal-
vation by Jesus Christ.
The care of education is a work of the highest mo-
ment ; as all the advantages, or miscarriages, of man's life
are, in a great measure, dependent on it.
That man cannot be conceived to be absolutely com-
plete, whose natural endowments are not assisted and cul-
tivated by learning.
No stronger incentive to learning is needed, than to
know what a figure a man will make in the world without
this great accomplishment ; and how by the labor of a few
years' erudition, he stands possessed of advantages, that
will stick by him to his latest hour.
By laying in a store of useful knowledge, adorning your
minds with elegant literature, improving and establishing
your conduct by virtuous principles, you will be a comfort
to those friends who have supported you, happy within
yourselves, and well received of mankind.
Beloved youth, to you especially is the following history
cordially inscribed by
THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE
The writer has been induced to undertake the present
work by the solicitation of many of his friends, and by a
desire to save from oblivion, to which they were hastening,
some of the events connected with the history of this town.
After collecting materials to a considerable extent, he felt
ready to abandon the project, wishing that it might be
prosecuted by some abler hand. But he has at length
come to the decision to prepare the work for the press
without further delay. The knowledge of some events
treasured up in the memories of a few aged people, must,
in the course of nature, soon be inevitably lost, if not pre-
served in a connected and tangible form. Though the
number of these relics of other days is now small, much
information has been derived from them ; and much more
might have been obtained, had the enquiries commenced
a few years earlier.
The difficulty of preparing a work of this nature, can
only be conceived of by one who has attempted it. The
mere collectmg of the scattered materials is some labor.
It is a greater toil to arrange them in proper order when
once they are collected. The settling of doubtful and con-
tradictory statements is sometimes a perplexing business.
And then comes the writing, which the author must ac-
complish as he can.
The writer has had free access to the Records of the
Proprietors of Ipswich Canada, and to the Town Records
of Winchendon. Oral and written information has been
furnished with the utmost cheerfulness, by all those pos-
sessed of facts worthy of note.
It has not been thought necessary to descend into the
particulars of the unhappy difficulties, which this town has
experienced in its ecclesiastical affairs. The recital of
VI PREFACE.
them at the present time, would prove to be rather painful
than interesting, and perhaps an impartial account would
give satisfaction to neither party. When it is recollected
that these divisions commenced about the year 1798, dur-
ing the ministry of Rev. Mr. Brown, and continued, with
more or less excitement, though with some intervals, till
the ordinations of Rev. Messrs. Marvin and Bullard, dur-
ing which period difficulty after difficulty arose, and coun-
cil after council was called, it will be seen that a strictly
impartial account of them would be a task of no small
difficulty, and would extend the limits of this work much
too far. It will be enough to state, generally, that angry
feelings were sometimes indulged to an inexcusable ex-
tent. If this excited state of feeling has now passed
away, the writer would not incur the hazard of disturbing
the calm by galling a tender wound.
To Mr. Webster Whitney, the Town Clerk of Winch-
endon, Windsor N. White, Esq., Mr. Ezra Porter, Mr. M.
S. Morse, Chairman of the Assessors the present year,
Mr. Elisha Murdock, Rev. A. P. Marvin, Rev. Malachi
Bullard, and Rev. J. M. Whiton, D. D., of Antrim, N. H.
(who is a native of this town — the son of the late lamented
Israel Whiton, Esq. — who was our physician, beloved and
highly respected for his piety, talents, and usefulness,) this
public expression of the thanks of the writer is due for the
readiness with which they have afforded him every facility
in their power, in the compilation of this work. To other
persons, to whom he is more or less indebted for informa-
tion, he tenders his grateful acknowledgements.
If the following pages afford satisfaction to the inhabit-
ants of the place, and furnish the writers of general his-
tory with any facts before unknown, the writer is rewarded
for his labor.
E. II.
WiNCHENDON, Sept. 28, 1848.
CONTENTS
Dedication, ......
. Page 3
Preface, .......
5
Notes,
67
Grant of Ipswich Canada by the General Court of Massachusetts, 9, 67
Meetings of the Proprietors, ....
. 9, 69
Rights entered on—persons' names and places of abode,
70
List of the Proprietors, and of their lots of land, .
80
' Old Tenor' and ' Lawful Money' explained,
85
' Old Style' and ' New Style' explained, .
86
First saw mill, ......
. 12, 88
First Settlers,
. 13, 91
Measures taken regarding the preaching of the Gospel, •
. 13, 92
The first meeting of the Proprietors in the Township, .
14
Fortifying the Township, .....
. 14, 94
The first grist mill, ... ...
. 14, 95
The first meeting house, .....
. 15, 96
Cemeteries, ..,*..
. 15, 97
Incorporation of the Town, .
. 15, 98
Origin of the name, .....
99
Annexation of Royalsten Leg, ....
16
Land set off to Gardner, .....
16
Wood and timber, ......
16
Face of the country, . . . ; .
17
Soil and productions, .....
17
Ponds, springs, rivers and brooks, ....
. 18, 100
Town meetings, ......
. 20, 100
Affairs connected with the American ReYolution,
. 21, 103
Continental money, ......
. 32, HI
State Constitution, ......
32
Peace with Great Britain, .....
32
Winchendon Lottery, .....
33
Facts connected with the Insurrection in Massachusetts,
35
Meetinghouses, ......
38
Congregational meeting house of the first parish,
38, 113, 119
Vlil CONTENTS.
Baptist meeting houses, ...... 38
Methodist meeting houses, .
38
North Congregational meeting house,
39
Ecclesiastical History,
40
First Church,
40, 120
Baptist Church and Society,
45
Methodists, ....
45
Universalists and Unitarians,
46
North Congregational Church,
46, 126
Early Settlers, . .• . .
46
Schools, .....
56
Winchendon Academy,
57
Collegiates, ....
59
Seasons of great mortality, sudden deaths,
&c.,
60, 128
Popxilation, and other statistics,
60
Winchendon Village,
,
61
Spring Village, . . . ,
62
Waterville, ....
63
Remarkable events,
64
Memorable winds, .
64
Hard winter,
64
Dark day, . . . .
64
Total eclipse of the Sun, June 16, 1806, .
65
HISTOEY OF WINCHENDON.
Grant of the Territory of Ipswich Canada.
On the 10th of June, 1735; a grant of land to be
equal to six miles square, was made by the Legislature
of Massachusetts, to Abraham Tilton and others.
Preference was to be given to those who petitioned for
the grant, and the descendants of the officers and sol-
diers, who served in the expedition to Canada, in the
year 1690. This tract was to be laid out into 63
equal shares ; one for the first minister, one for the
use of the ministry, and one for a school ; the others
for 60 proprietors/
Meetings of the Proprietors, and their Transactions.
March 27, 1736. Thomas Berry, Esq., of Ipswich,
was authorized to assemble the Proprietors and Grant-
ees.^
April 13, 1736. The Committee appointed to lay
out the Township met at Ipswich, and admitted a cer-
tain number of persons as Grantees of the Town-
ship. ^
As all the Proprietors of the Township, excepting
eight, belonged to Ipswich, in the county of Essex in
1 See Note A. 2 See Note B. 3 See Note C.
10 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Massachusetts, it was called Ipswich Canada, until its
incorporation/
A meeting of the Proprietors and Grantees of the
new Township, was notified May 20, 1736, by Thom-
as Berry, Esq., " to choose a Proprietors' Clerk, and
to pass such votes and orders as may be thought most
proper for bringing forward the said Township, agree-
able to the General Court's order :"^ which meeting
was held in Ipswich, May 31, 1736. Thomas Nor-
ton, Jun., was chosen Proprietors' Clerk ; and a Com-
mittee " was empowered to employ two men to burn
the woods, if, according to their discretion, they shall
think it best."'
Another meeting of the Proprietors was held at Ip-
swich, on the 28th of June following, when a Com-
mittee of five was chosen " to go and view the land."*
The next meeting of the Proprietors was held at
Ipswich, on the 4th of November following ; at which
time a Committee was chosen to lot and lay out the
first division. Jonathan Wade, Esq. was chosen Treas-
urer, and a method was agreed upon for raising money
for defraying charges.*
The Proprietors' next meeting was held at Ipswich,
May 6, 1737, when Assessors and Collectors were cho-
sen.®
The next meeting of the Proprietors was held in
Ipswich, October 27, 1737, at which time many im-
i See Note D. 2 See Note E. s See Note F. 4 See Note G.
5 See Note H. 6 See Note L
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 1|
portant votes were passed ; among others, tjiat reserve
ing land for building a meeting house on ; Ukewise for
a burying place, and for a training field ; also that
giving encouragement to those who first shall build
three houses in the Township, agreeable to the Gener-^
al Court's act, and who shall have a family settled ia
each house.*
The next meeting of the Proprietors was held at Ip^
swieh, February 13, 1737,^ when it was ''voted that
there be a cart way cut from Dorchester Canada ' meet^-
ing house lot, on the nearest and most convenient
way that can be found from Dorchester Canada road,
to the center of the lots as laid out in the Township of
the said Ipswich Canada, and to make such bridges and
causeys as are absolutely necessary for making the
way passable." It v/asalso " voted, That four acres be
cleared in the meeting house lot, in the most conveur
ient place for erectmg a meeting house, and to be sowr
ed with herds grass ;" and a Committee of five was
chosen to agree where to clear, in order for the locar
tion of a meeting house. '^
At a meeting of the Proprietors, February 8, 1738,
it was voted, That twenty shillings on each original
Right be raised, for the encouragement of such per-
sons, as shall build a Saw Mill ; and a vote was pass?
ed concerning clearing a road from Payqueage/
Several meetings of the Proprietors were held ia
i £ee Note X 2 See Note K. 3 Now Ashburnham. i S.eg j!?^,t$; ^;
■5 Now A\hol B^& JJlot^ AL-
Ii2 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Ipswich in, 1741 and 1742, for the purpose of adopt-
ing measures for erecting a Saw mill, building a meet-
ing house and laying out and clearing roads, and to
encourage the settlement of the Tow^iship.
The First Saw Mill.
In 1742 a Saw mill was erected at the place where
Mr. John Poor's Saw mill now stands.
At a meeting of the Proprietors, March 14, 1742,
a Committee was chosen to lay out a second division
of lots. A Committee was also appointed to build a
Corn mill in the most convenient place. A Commit-
tee w^as likewise directed and empowered, to agree
with some one to do the Proprietors' blacksmiths' work
in the Township.^
After tlie last named date, there is no record of any
meeting of the Proprietors, for more than eight years.
The next meeting of the Proprietors was held at
Ipswich, March 29, 1751 ; and was adjourned to meet
on the 11th of next iVpril, when a Committee was ap-
pointed to run the lines, and renew the bounds be-
tween the Township of Ipswich Canada, and the con-
tiguous Townships f which Committee made a return,
and reported their doings at the next Proprietors' meet-
ing. And at the latter meeting, Francis Goodhue was
chosen Treasurer, and a Committee was appointed
to assist the Clerk in making a report to the General
Court.^'
1 See N te N. 2 See Note 0. 3 See Note P.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 13
It appears from the records of the Proprietors and
from tradition, that in or about the year 1752, there
was a small frame raised for a meeting house, about
100 rods easterly of the present meeting house com-
mon, near the burying ground ; but it was never oc-
cupied, or even prepared for the purpose.
The First Settlers.
No evidence appears of there being any permanent
settlement in the Township, previous to the year 1752.
At length the Proprietors offered greater encourage-
ment to settlers, and in that year, ten families had fix-
ed down here.*
But the settlement of the place was immediately
retarded, by what is commonly called the last French
War. Most of the settlers left the place. Those who
remained were obliged to keep in garrisons.^
Measures regarding the Preaching of the Gospel in the Township.
The Proprietors, at a meeting in Ipswich, July 3,
1753, took measures to have the gospel preached in
Ipswich Canada, and voted they would be at the
charge of four days' preaching. And at this and sub-
sequent meetings, they agreed to dispose of the meet-
ing house frame that was before erected, and to
make preparations for, and to build a new one. They
also passed votes concerning managing and improving
the saw mill, and making and mending roads.'
1 See Note Q, 2 See Note B. 3 See Note S.
14 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
The First Meeting of the Proprietors in the Township.
The first meeting of the Proprietors, held in the
Township, was at the dwelhng house ^ of Richard Day,
24th Oct. 1753, and was adjourned to the next day,
tvhen it was voted that the road to the saw mill be re-
paired, and that the first frame erected for a meeting
house be granted to Col. Thomas Berry, to enable him
to build a suitable and convenient room to meet in for
public worship.^
Fortifying the Township.
It appears that previously to the year 1754, some-
thing had been done with regard to fortifying the
Township, against the incursions of the French and
Indians. On the 31st October in that year, further
measures were adopted for the purpose, a new Clerk
was chosen, and money was granted to pay for preach-
It may be here stated that the Proprietors sustained
the preaching of the gospel for from four Sabbaths to
half the Sabbaths annually, for eight or ten years previ-
ously to the settlement of the first minister.'^
The First Grist Mill.
The first Corn Mill was built on Miller's river, in
what is now the North Village, about 1759, by Mr.
Bartholomew Parsons.^
1 See Note T. 2 See Note U. 3 See Note V. 4 See Note W.
5 See Note X.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 15
Soon after this, a bridge and a long causeway were
built over Miller's river and the meadow, on the coun-
ty road, near where Mr. Phineas Ball now lives/
In 1762, a bridge was built over Miller's river, in
the North Village, against where the wool factory dye
house now stands.*
The First Meeting House.
The Proprietors erected a meeting house in 1762.
The Building Committee were Benjamin Goodridge,
Abijah Smith and Philip Goodridge. It was located
on the south part of the meeting house common. It
had side and front galleries. It had pews and many
free seats below and above. The outside of the house
was clapboarded, but never painted ; the inside was
unfinished, never having been either ceiled or plastered.
A Cemetery, or burying place is located about 100
rods easterly from the meeting house.'
Incorporation of the Town.
In 1763 the Proprietors, together with the inhabit-
ants, triade arrangements releative to applying to the
Legislature for an Act of Incorporation.*
On the 14th of June, 1764, Ipswich Canada was
incorporated by an act of the General Court, when it
was made a town and called Winchendon.*
» See Note Y . 2 See Note Z. 3 See Note AA. 4 See Note BB.
s See Note CC.
16 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Annexation of Eoyalston Leg.
When the township was first located, it was sup-
posed to extend northerly to New Hampshire ; but up-
on running the line afterwards between the States, it
was found that there was a mile in width, the whole
length of the town, left to Massachusetts. Upon the
granting of Royalston some years afterward, this strip
of land was annexed to that town, and called Royal-
ston Leg. When a number of families had got seat-
ed thereon, at their request, it was, in 1780, set to
Winchendon. It contained 3840 acres.
Land Set oS to Gardner.
In June 1785, a piece of land of 3680 acres was
taken from the the southeasterly part of this town to
help form the town of Gardner. Winchendon, how-
ever, still remains more than six miles square.
Distance from Boston and Worcester.
This town is 60 miles N. W. by W. from Boston,
and 35 N. by N. W. from Worcester.
Wood and Timber.
The general growth of wood on the high lands is
red oak, beech, rock maple, interspersed with white
pine and hemlock. On the low lands, white pine, hem-
lock, hacmatac, ash of all kinds, yellow and white birch,
interspersed with red oak and beech. On some of the
low lands there is little or nothing but pine, hemlock
and hacmatac. In some parts of the town there is
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. IT
chestnut, and in other parts pitch pine, but neither of
them in plenty.
Face of the Country.
There is somewhat of a diversity in the face of the
country in this region. A large proportion of the
town is level, consisting of pretty extensive plains ;
other parts are diversified by hills and valleys. Some
of the most notable elevations are Meeting House
hill, N. W. from the meeting house common, inclosed
in the farms formerly owned by Rev. Joseph Brown
and Mr. Levi Nichols ; Prentiss hill, on the south side
of Miller's river, formerly owned by Dea. Samuel
Prentiss ; Hyde hill, on the north side of Miller's
River, formerly owned by Mr. Ezra Hyde, sen. ; Love-
joy hill, now owned by Mr. Oliver Lovejoy ; Poland
hill, formerly owned by Mr. William Poland ; Tallow
hill, formerly owned by Mr. Peter Joyslin, sen. ; Good-
ridge hill, formerly owned by Mr. David Good ridge :
Boynton hill, formerly owned by Lieut. Joseph Boyn-
ton ; Payson hill, formerly ov/ned by Col. John Boyn-
ton ; Barren hills, south of Monomonac pond ; Hale
hill, formerly owned by Dea. Moses Hale ; Nineteenth
hill, formerly owned by Mr. Dudley Perley and Mr.
James Raymond ; Raymond hill, formerly owned by
Col. Paul Raymond ; and Birch hill, near where Otter
river empties into Miller's river.
Soil and Frodactions.
The soil of Winchendon, with some exceptions, has
been accounted good. It produces grass, wheat, rye,
18 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Indian corn, barley, oats, potatoes, and many other
kinds of vegetables.
Ponds, Springs, Elvers and Brooks.
There is but one pond, which is wholly within the
limits of this town ; this was called Denison's^ pond,
and is sometimes called New Boston pond. It covers,
perhaps, as much as 70 acres. It has an inlet from
the north and an outlet towards the south into Miller's
river, which runs within 100 rods of the pond. It
abounds in fish of various kinds.
There is a spring of the mineral kind, in the north-
easterly part of the town. For many years after its
discovery, it was called The Yellow Spring. It is of
a medicinal nature, and rather seems of a chalybeate
quality. It is not so much visited by invalids, as for-
merly.
There is one river known by the name of Miller's
river, so called by the English, from a man by the
name of ]\Iiller, who was drowned therein, about 200
years ago, in attempting to pass the river somewhere
tow^tirds its mouth, in his way to Northfield. But the
natives called it Payqueage. From Little Naukheag,
which is near the centre of Ashburnham, a rivulet emp-
ties into Great Naukheag, whence a stream issues to
the west which makes a part of Miller's river. An-
other source of Miller's river is a large pond, lying
chiefly in Rindge, N. H., a small part only, (where
1 See Note DD.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 19
the outlet is,) falling within the bounds of Winchen-
don. Tliis pond is known by the name of Monome-
noc pond. These two branches, together with some
other small streams, uniting easterly of Winchendon
North Village, form Miller's river, which runs west-
erly, southwesterly, northwesterly, and southerly, near-
ly half round the town ; in no place nearer than
one mile of the centre meeting house, and in some
places three miles and more from it.
Otter river originates in a small pond in the south
part of Templeton ; one of its sources, and, perhaps,
the main one, is found in the swamps of Westminster.
The Templeton branch flows first in a southeasterly
direction -into Hubbardston, where it changes its course
to the northeast and passes into Gardner, where sever-
al streams join it, and runs into Templeton again. It
takes a northwesterly course in Templeton, and is
joined by Trout brook. It just touches on Winchen-
don in the southerly part thereof, and runs nigh the
bounds of the town about a mile and a half, and unites
itself with the waters of Miller's or Payqueage river,
just before it leaves Winchendon. Miller's river leaves
the town near the southwest an2;le thereof.
There are two considerable streams in the westerly
part of the town, which take their rise in Fitzwilliam,
N. H. One of them joins Miller's River at the Up-
per Intervales, towards the northwest part of the town ;
this is sometimes called Stuart's Brook, on account of
its running through the farm formerly owned by Jere-
20 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
miah Stuart. The other comes from FitzwilUam into
Royalston, and runs a considerable way in the easter-
ly part thereof, then turns and enters Winchendon,
and after running several miles, joins Miller's river just
above Denison's pond. This stream might have been
denominated a river from its largeness, had it not ear-
ly received the appellation of Priest's brook. This
name was given it from the circumstance of its run-
ning through a tract of land, now lying in Royalston,
formerly granted by the General Court of Massachu-
setts to a Joseph Priest, to induce him to set up a
house of entertainment, for the benefit of travellers
from this State to the Ashuelots, (Keene and Swan-
zey,) and to No. 4, (Charlestown,) in the State of
New Hampshire. The house of this Priest was call-
ed The Halfway House. Trout, pickerel and perch,
and various other kinds of fish, are found in the two
latter streams, as also in many parts of Miller's river.
Besides the above mentioned streams, there are ma-
ny other brooks and rivulets running in every part of
the town, whereby it is exceedingly well watered.
Town Meetings.
On the 5th day of November, 1764, the first meet-
ing, which the town ever held in its corporate capaci-
ty, was called, according to the act of incorporation,
by virtue of a warrant issued by Edward Hartwell,
Esq. of Lunenburg, directed to Richard Day of the
town of Winchendon. It was held at the dwelling
house of Richard Day. Richard Day was Moderator
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. ^'
of tliis meeting, and Abel Wilder was chosen Town
Clerk.^
The next town meeting, which was the first annual
March meeting, was called by warrant of the Select-
men, directed to the Constable, who " warned all the
inhabitants of the town, by themselves, or by leaving
word at their usual places of abode, to assemble at the
time and place therein mentioned ;" wliich meeting
was held at the meeting house, March 11, 1765.'
Affairs Connected with the American Revolution.
It is well known, that for some years following 1760,
the disputes between Great Britain and her Colonies
were fast approaching a crisis. Soon after the French
power in Canada had been crushed in 1759, the Brit-
ish Ministry began to turn their thoughts towards rais-
ing a revenue in America. Their first step in this pro-
ceeding v/as to direct the collector for the port of Boston
to apply to the civil authority for " Tfrits of As-
sistance,^^ to command the aid of all sheriffs and con-
stables in breaking open houses, stores, ships and pack-
ages of all sorts, to search for articles prohibited by
the " Acts of Trade'^ — a series of acts which had been
passed to favor the West India merchants, and which
had nearly annihilated the commerce of the Colonies.
These acts had been mostly evaded by non-importa-
tion and smuggling.
The legality of the '« Writs" was doubted, and the
1 See Note EE. 2 See Note FF.
22 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
question came before the Superior Court for decision
in February 1761. By the powerful assistance of
James Otis, the Writs were defeated. His masterly
speech on this occasion, first awakened the Colonists
to the real danger of the threatened course of the
ministry. They saw, in the pretended right of Par-
liament of taxing them to an unhmited extent, the
germ of tyranny which would destroy their liberties ;
and they wisely resolved to destroy the monster in its
shell, before it should acquire sufficient strength to crush
them in its folds. They knew that their charter gave
them the right to tax themselves, and that every exer--
cise of this right on the part of the parliament, was
an infringement upon their chartered privileges. They
were not actuated by the sordid love of money, but by
the nobler love of liberty. They had freely poured
forth their treasure and their blood in the preceding
wars, and now they claimed the privilege of taxing
themselves. They contended that Taxation and Rep-
resentation were inseparable ; while Parliament claim-
ed the risfht to " bind the Colonies in all cases what-
ever." This was the point on which the dispute turn'
ed.
In the years 1763, 4 and 5, the commerce of the
Colonies was nearly at a stand, in consequence of the
'' Sugar Act," and the " Stamp Act." Their opera-
tion was defeated by non-importation and smugghug.
To the great joy of the Colonists, th€ Stamp Act was
repealed in 1766, and the importation of goods was
HISTORY OF VVINCHENDON. S3
greater than ever. A cloud was soon thrown over the
prosperity which everywhere began to be visible. The
"■ Revenue Act" was passed in 1763. Again the peo-
ple of Massachusetts took the lead in asserting the
liberties of the Colonies, and they acted promptly and
effectually.
By means of associations, speeches, circulars and
pamphlets, the rights of the Colonies, and the dangers
with which they were threatened, were fully discussed
and laid before the people.
In September, 1768, the Selectmen of Winchendon
received a letter from the Selectmen of Boston, re-
questing them to call a town meeting, and then to take
into consideration the critical condition of government
affairs, and to choose an agent to come to Boston to
express there the views, wishes and determination of
the people of Winchendon, on this important subject.
A town meeting was accordingly called to consider of
the Votes lately passed by the town of Boston, and
act in regard to them ; and " to choose a suitable per-
son to join the Convention to be held at Boston." The
town held their meeting on the 19th of the same
month, and readily and cordially '• consented to the
several Votes passed by the town of Boston, at their
meeting on the 12th of September instant." " But,"
in the language of the vote then passed, " being a
small people, we think it not necessary to send a Com-
mittee ; but oblige ourselves to consent to those meth-
ods, tliat the Convention shall come into for the pre-
04 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
servation of our invaluable rights and privileges." On
reviewing these transactions, and their subsequent pro-
ceedings, no doubt is left but that thus early, the peo-
ple were resolved upon maintaining their rights.
The firm resistance with which the projects of the
British government were received, served to strengthen
the determination of the Ministry to carry their point
at all hazards. Troops were stationed at Boston to
overawe the inhabitants. Acts of increased severity
were passed. The colonists saw that they must yield,
or maintain their rights at the point of the bayonet.
They did hesitate between the alternatives. They
did not prepare for the encounter under the impulse
of the moment, but calmly deliberated upon the pro-
priety of every m.easure. The pens of Otis, Adams
and their associates, were ever busy. The acts of the
government were severely scrutinized, and the rights
of the Colonies most ably vindicated and maintained.
But one sentiment pervaded the community, and that
was a fixed determination to preserve inviolate their
freedom.
The people of Boston took the lead in these meas-
ures of resistance, and were nobly seconded by the
inhabitants of the other towns. They sought an ex-
pression of opinion from every town on the all engross-
ing subject of dispute, in order that they might know
what they could rely upon, if it should be necessary to
meet the obstinacy of Great Britain with open rebel-
lion.
HISTORY OP WINCHENDON.
In January, 1773, another letter was received from
the town of Boston, containing their statement of the
rights of the Colonies, and the infringement made up-
on them, and requesting the inhabitants of Winchen-
don to pass suitable resolves, as free members of soci-
ety, and to send them in the form of a report to the
Committee of Correspondence in Boston. The town
was not unmindful of this invitation. A town meet-
ing was speedily called, by Abel Wilder and John
Boynton, a majority of the Selectmen, agreeable to a
request signed by ten freeholders,— To see if the town
will take into consideration the distressing circumstan-
ces of the present affairs of the province ; and so far
as concerns particular towns and individual persons,
to act thereon by choosing Committees, or otherwise,
as they shall see fit. The meeting was held on the
15th of February following. A copy of the records
of this meeting will convey a good idea of the views
and feelings of the inhabitants, on these importont
subjects. The record is transcribed in the notes.'
We hence learn what the sentiments of this town
were concerning the course which Great Britain was
pursuing towards her colonies. They believed that it
was oppressive and unjust, and that they, as freemen,
ought by no means to submit to it. Though living
far back in the interior, they heartily responded to the
noble and patriotic sentiments, which animated the
bosoms of the people of Boston, and acquired for
> See Note GG.
26 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
their favorite place of meeting, (Faneuil Hall,) the
name of the "Cradle of Liberty."
A warrant was issued by the Selectmen, for a town
meeting to be held on the 4th of August, 1774. The
substance of one article, as stated in the warrant, is,
that " Whereas the Committee of Correspondence of
the town of Winchendon, have received a letter from
the Committee of Correspondence of Worcester, to-
gether with the Committee of Winchendon, request-
ing the town of Winchendon to appoint one or more
of the Committee of the town of Winchendon, to
meet the other Committees of the several towns in
this county, at Worcester on the 9th of August next,
to consult together, and come into some regular meth-
od to oppose the late Acts of Parhament, the intent
of which is to bereave us of our rights and privileges"
— to see if the town will choose one or more of the
Committee for the above said purpose. A town meet-
ing was accordingly held, and a delegate chosen. And
they accepted and adopted a number of loyal as well
as spirited Resolutions.^ The town meeting was ad-
journed to the 15th of September following, when the
town again met, and voted to send a Delegate to the
Provincial Congress, which was to meet at Concord,
the second Tuesday of the next October. They then
voted that every [male] person, from the age of six-
teen years to sixty, should apf)ear at the meeting
1 For a particular recital of the transactions of this town meeting, see
Note HU.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 27
house in Winchendon, on the 20th of September cur-
rent. They also pasi^ed a vote, indemnifying the Con-
stable in not returning a list of the persons qualified
to serve as Jurors, agreeable to a late Act of Parlia-
ment, and directing him never to make such return.^
The Provincial Congress had recommended to the
several towns, to withhold the amount of their annual
taxes from Harrison Gray, Esq., who was the State
Treasurer under tiie royal government, before the
commencement of difficulties in the colonies, and was
still Treasurer ; and that they should pay them over
to Henry Gardner, Esq. of Stow, as the Treasurer for
the province. With this recommendation the town
complied, and ordered the Constables to pay the mon-
ey to Henry Gardner, Esq., and engaged to indemnify
the Constables.^ These were, certainly, very bold
measures, and well calculated to bring on the struggle
of war.
The town, at their meeting January 10, 1775, chose
a Committee to see that the agreement, and associa-
tion of the Continental Congress, be put in execution.
It will be seen that the town was prepared for the
important crisis, which was now at hand — the opening
scene of the Revolution.
On the 19th of April, the troops of Great Britain
and her Colonies first came in hostile collision. The
alarm of Lexington was spread in Winchendon, by
» See Note II. 2 ]\lr Gardner was, afterwards, the first State Treas-
xirer under the Constitution of 17b0. See Mote JJ.
28 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
firing guns. Here was one small company of militia,
of which the Hon. Abel Wilder was Captain. He
and his company marched immediately. When the
time of action came, the people of this town did not
fail to make their deeds correspond with their profes-
sions.
There was, in this town, as well as other towns in
the country, a certain number of men enrolled by them-
selves, and denominated '^ minute men," ^ whose duty
it was to be ready to meet any emergency, at a mo-
ment's warning.
As there was no immediate need for their services,
Capt. Wilder and his men soon returned home. Capt.
Wilder was afterward in the battle of Bunker Hill, in
which one of his company, Samuel Bradish, was
wounded in a remarkable manner ; a musket ball, ac-
cidentally discharged by another of the company,
entered the back of his neck, and came out at one
of his eyes ; he of course lost one eye. He got well,
and lived many years.
After this period, several of the inhabitants joined
the army at different periods, and for different lengths
of time. This people were ever prompt, during the
whole time of the revolution, in furnishing their quota
of men. and whatever was necessary, to the utmost of
their ability.
The warrant for the annual meeting in March, 1776,
» Minute men, men ready at a minute's notice j a term used in tho
American Kevolution. Webster's Dictionary.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 29
and previous warrants, had ever commenced in this
form — " In his Majesty's name, you are required to
warn," etc. This was the last occasion on which the
people of Winchendon acknowledged the authority
of '^ his Majesty's name."
The warrant for the town meeting which was held
on the fourth day of July, 1776, and subsequent war-
rants, ran thus — '^ You are required, in the name of
the Government and People of the Massachusetts Bay,
to notify," etc.
This town meeting shows what was the disposition
of the inhabitants, when the important question of
National Independence was submitted to them. The
General Court, then in session, had assured the Con-
tinental Congress, that if they, in their wisdom, should
deem it expedient to declare the colonies free and in-
dependent, the people of this colony would, undoubt-
edly, support them in the measure. The State Legis-
lature, however, to make the thing certain, passed a re-
solve that each town should act individually, on this
important question. By virtue of this resolve, this
town assembled on the 4th day of July.
The town "unanimously resolved, that if the Hon-
orable Continental Congress should think it best, for
the safety of these Colonies, to declare them inde-
pendent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, that we
will, with our lives and fortunes, support them in the
measure."- On the very day, on which the question
1 See Note KK.
30 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
was decided, and the Declaration adopted by Con-
gress, the people of Winchendon declared themselves
ready to peril their lives and fortunes in the cause of
freedom.
The declaration having been adopted, copies were
sent, by the order of the Council, to the several towns
of the State, where they were read from the pulpit,
and then copied into the town Book of Records —
" there to remain as a perpetual memorial thereof."
It must strike every one with some surprise, that
during the suspension of all judicial and executive au-
thority in the State, the great mass of people should
have been kept quiet and orderly. The wisdom, and
power, and goodness of the Supreme Ruler of the
universe — who has the hearts of all in His hand, and
turns them whithersoever He will — were herein re-
markably obvious. It was truly a moral spectacle.
It was a nation bursting the bands in which they had
been bound, and ruling and governing themselves in
an orderly and peaceable manner. The force of pub-
lic opinion, at any time great, was then irresistible.
The recommendations of Congress were law, and the
Committee of Safety saw that the laws were executed,
against whom no one durst rebel. In this, they were
fully countenanced by the people, who in their frequent
meetings and discussions of national affairs, became
convinced that union and order were necessary to their
existence as a people, and they had virtue enough to
guard these most sacredly.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 31
The town, at a meeting, September 30, 1776, ''vot-
ed and consented that the present House of Repre-
sentatives, together with the Council, in one body,
form a system of laws, for the regulation of this State ;
that the same be made public for the inspection and
perusal of the inhabitants before it be established."
And the General Court having given liberty to every
town that was not, at that time, represented in the
General Court, to send at this time ; this town being
not now, nor ever before represented, at this meeting
^' voted to send a Representative, and chose Mr. Rob-
ert Bradish, to represent this town in the Great and
General Court, the remaining part of the year." In
May, 1777, Mr. Bradish was again chosen Represen-
tative.^
Though the burthen of the war was now pressing
heavily upon the town, which was not highly favored
in the possession of worldly goods, the people did not
despair of the cause of Independence. They contin-
ued to labor steadily to the utmost of their ability. It
is impossible for us to realize, at the present day, how
completely that struggle called into exercise every re-
source, and the whole energy of every individual
throughout the community. How low soever might
be his condition, and however scanty might be his
means of supporting himself and his family, every man
was called upon to act — to do to the utmost of his
ability, or to rest'under the imputation of being a tory.
1 See Note LL.
32 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Let it be remembered also, that at this time, when
all kinds of business had been brought nearly to a
stand by the operation of the war, when specie was
almost unknown throughout the country, and the paper
currency was of but little value, ^ the ordinary expen-
ses of the town — such as the support of the minister,
of schools, of the highway and bridges, &c. &c. —
bore with extreme rigor upon the inhabitants.
In May, 1779, the town voted in favor of a new
State Constitution. In August, Abel Wilder, Esq.
was chosen a delegate to attend a convention, which
was to meet at Cambridge, on the first of Septem-
ber, for the purpose of forming a State Constitution.
State Constitution.
In May, 1780, the present Constitution of the
State was submitted to the people for their considera-
tion. The inhabitants of Winchendon voted in favor
of adopting it.
Peace with Great Britain.
Most welcome was the news of the peace with
Great Britain in 1782. The days of the Revolution
had been trying times. In common with others, this
town had been heavily burdened with the expenses of
the war. Many of the citizens had engaged at differ-
ent periods, in the service of their country. Our fa-
thers experienced trials, and hardships, and sufferings,
1 See Note MM.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 33
of which it is impossible for their descendants, at the
present day, to have an adequate conception.
In May, 1781, Abel Wilder, Esq, was chosen to
represent the town in the General Court, under the
new Constitution. He represented the town ever af-
terward, except one year, until 1786, when he was
elected a member of the Senate of this State, by the
suffrages of this Senatorial district.^
Winchendon Lottery.
The war, as is well known, left the country in an
impoverished condition. Poverty was everywhere.
A sound circulating medium was wanting.
In this state of things the town chose a committee
to petition for a lottery, to enable the town to build
and repair the bridges it was obliged to support.
Permission for a lottery was accordingly obtained
in 1783. There were, afterwards, three classes drawn,
and some money was obtained. In 1785, the bridge
which is now in the North Village, was erected. It
is now considered, that no scheme of taxation could
have been devised more injurious and extravagant. It
was paying under a fascinating prospect of gain, a
much larger sum than the citizens would have been
obliged to contribute by regular rates. Nor was
this all. Some will now recollect the time consumed
in drawing the several classes of this lottery, the idle-
1 The Hon. Abel Wilder wa?, afterward, annually elected a Senator,
until his decease. He died Nov. 1, 1792, universally lamented.
34
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
ness and consequent dissipation it induced, to say
nothing of its natural tendency to beget a love of
gaming.
After the declaration of peace in 1783, a general
stagnation of all kinds of business ensued. The Uni-
ted Colonies were burdened with a debt of forty mill-
ions of dollars, without any means of paying it. Con-
gress, under the Confederation, had power only to
advise the several States to adopt certain measures to
meet the wants of the times.
But the States, actuated by a spirit of commercial
rivalry and jealousy, would agree upon no uniform
system. So far, then, from any measures being adopt-
ed to pay the public debt, even the interest of it re-
mained unpaid.
The whole body of the people became alarmed, and
all confidence was destroyed. Certificates of public
debt lost their credit, and many officers and soldiers
of the late army, who were poor, were compelled to
sell these certificates at excessive reductions. They
had fondly hoped that if they could establish their in-
dependence, and a government of their own choosing,
public and private prosperity would everywhere abound,
and that things would go on delightfully. Bitter, now,
was their disappointment. Of money there was next
to none. The introduction of the precious metals had
been prevented by the war and its attendant evils, and
the paper money in circulation, was of small value.
Creditors became alarmed, and used every means in
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 35
their power to collect their debts. Business was at a
stand — men failed — lawyers were overwhelmed with
employment, and Courts of justice filled with business.
Massachusetts, for the purpose of maintaining her
credit, loaded the people with excessive taxes. It was
impossible for them to meet the demands made upon
them. They knew not the origin of the evils, but
supposed that there was some defect in the laws — that
there were either too many, or not enough. Petitions
were poured in upon the Legislature from all quarters,
but the Legislature, like all deliberative bodies, moved
slow. The patience of the people was entirely ex-
hausted, in seeing their property seized on ' executions,'
issuing from the authorative Courts ; and as petitions,
remonstrances, and mild measures had failed to work
out a remedy for their grievances, they were deter-
mined to seek a remedy by force of arms. Thus
much it has been necessary to premise, to account for
the origin of " Shays' Insurrection" in 1786.
Facts Connected with the Insurrection in Massacliusetts.
A majority of the people of this, as well as the
neighboring towns, were ' Shaysites.' In extenuation,
though not in justification of their conduct, it may be
remarked that their straight forward way of thinking,
did not lead them to comprehend the actual state of
public aflfairs, and the necessity of sacrificing present
convenience to future good. After a war of eight
years' duration, to avoid the evils of exctssive and il-
legal taxation, they could not see what they had gain-
36 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
ed, if they were now to be subjected to severer taxa-
tion than ever.
They did not break out into open rebellion here,
though many stood ready. However, they put no re-
straint upon their tongues, and their language savored
strongly of rebellion. Several persons were involved
in that unhappy insurrection, whose names are sup-
pressed from charity to their memories. Their ef-
forts here were always thv/arted by the firmness of the
" government men," who were unwearied in their ef-
forts to quell the spirit of rebellion.
A few persons, taking advantage of the popular
excitement, during the time of the insurrection, were
chosen to offices of profit and trust, from the Insur-
gent party ; but they generally became satisfied of
their error, as soon as, by their intercourse with intel-
ligent patriots, they saw the dangerous tendency of
their measures. We cannot, at this day, realize the
horrors of the civil war that then threatened, and, in
many places, actually distracted the State. A house
was literally divided against itself. Neither sex nor
age were exempt from the angry passions tiiat prompt-
ed the warlike preparations.
Open rebellion having broken out in several places,
and threats and demonstrations of warlike movements
beginning to appear in others, the State authorities
were compelled to take notice of them, and resolved
to put them down by an armed force. They had un-
der their control the militia of the Commonwealth, and
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 37
on their side all those, who preferred good order and
an observance of the laws — though somewhat objec-
tionable — to open rebellion and civil war.
The insurrection of 1786 being rather a matter of
State history, than that of any particular town, this
sketch of it will be brought to a close in a few words.
The force headed by Shays himself having been
dispersed, the agitation on this subject principally sub-
sided in the following year.
It was customary for the friends of government, to
wear a fillet of white paper in their hats, while the adhe-
rents of the opposite party adopted, as a badge of dis-
tinction, a sprig of evergreen. But, fortunatelv for the
country, the evergreen, in the language of one in that
day, soon withered ; the arm of power scattered the
insurgent forces, and the miserable and misguided ad-
herents of Day, and Shays, and Wheeler, and Par-
sons, were glad to sue for mercy to that power, which
they had so lately risen up to crush. And their
suit was not in vain ; policy, as well as a predisposi-
tion to clemency, spared their lives, and they were
suffered to return to their homes in peace. Those,
whose reason returned as their passions subsided, be-
came convinced of their follies and their criminality,
and many of them became firm supporters of the gov-
ernment. Happily, quiet and order were restored. It
seems now to be as generally admitted, that there were
causes of complaint, as it is that the course pursued
to remove them was unjustifiable.
38 HISTORY OF VVINCHENDON.
MEETING HOUSES.
Congregational Meeting House in the First Parish.
The first house of public worship being too small
for the inhabitants, the town erected a new one in
1792/ It was raised on the 25th and 26th of May.
The dimensions of the house are 50 by 60 feet — posts
28 feet — a porch at each end of the house. It has
front and side galleries — with square pews, and some
free seats above and below. ^ Several years after the
building of the house, a tovver, and steeple, and bell
were added. ^ The first meeting in this house was on
the 1st of June, 1793, when it was solemnly dedicat-
ed to the service of God.
Baptist Meeting Houses.
There is a Baptist ipeeting house in the south west
part of the town. It was erected about thirty years
ago.
There is now (1848) being erected, in the Village
near the railroad depot, a meeting house, by a Baptist
society recently formed.
Methodist Meeting Houses.
The first Methodist meeting house was located near
the northwest corner of the town ; that house was af-
terward sold.
1 See Note NN. 2 See Note 00. 3 See Note PP.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 39
The Methodist society erected a handsome and
commodious chapel in 1833, in the North Village.
Wincliendon North Congregational Meeting House.
In the early part of the year 1843, a voluntary as-
sociation was formed for the purpose of building a
house of worship in Winchendon Village. The asso-
ciation consisted of thirty two gentlemen, and was
termed the North Winchendon Congregational Meet-
ing House Company. They accomplished their de-
sign in the course of the year by erecting a beautiful
house, spacious enough to seat comfortably 400 per-
sons, including old and young.
An ecclesiastical society was then formed, denomi-
nated the North Winchendon Congregational Society,
to which the Company transferred the meeting house,
and by which the preaching of the gospel has since
been sustained.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The First Church.
This church was formed December 15, 1762, con-
sisting of twelve members, including the minister, Mr.
Daniel Stimpson, who was ordained pastor of the
church at the same time. Some of the original mem-
bers were from other churches — some of them made
a profession at the time.
Rev. Mr. Stimpson was educated at Harvard Col-
lege — w^as settled on a salary of £60 — £60 was giv-
en him as a settlement, besides a lot of land of 100
acres, which was reserved for the first settled minister.^
At the first meeting of the church, of which there
is any record found, which was held March 24, 1763,
Mr. Richard Day was chosen Deacon. It was also
voted at the same time to have the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper administered on the first Sabbath in
May, 1763. Mr. Day appears to have been the only
deacon of the church till November 12, 1767, when
Mr. Abel Wilder was chosen Deacon.'^
Rev. Mr. Stimpson died of a violent fever July 20,
1768, having performed a ministry of less than six
years ; during which time, according to Mr. Stimpson's
1 See Note QQ. ^ See Church Eecords, written by Eev. Daniel
Stimpson.
HISTORY OF WmCHENDON. 41
record, not more than fifteen were added to the church
in full communionj though many more '' owned the
covenant."'
The remains of Rev. Mr. Stimpson were deposited
in the cemetery near the centre of the town. Not
even a rude stone marks the spot, where lie the re-
mains of the first minister who ever statedly proclaim-
ed the gospel in this town. A little mound of earth,
only, tells the stranger some one lies there, where tra-
dition says the first minister was buried.
After the death of Mr. Stimpson, the church and
town were in a destitute state only about ten months.
Then Rev. Joseph Brown, educated at Harvard Col-
lege, was ordained pastor of the church, May 24, 1769,
There was no extensive revival of religion during his
ministry ; yet there were considerable numbers receiv-
ed into the church by profession, and by letters from
other churches. Mr. Brown held his office about
thirty years.
About the close of his ministry, there was much
difficulty between him and his people. After much
altercation, trouble, and expense, he was dismissed
December, 1799." As the records of the church dur-
ing the period of his ministry are lost,^it will, perhaps,
be better to forbear a recital of the origin and progress
of the unhappy state of affairs, which led to the dis-
solution of the connection between pastor and people.
1 Rev. E. L. Clark's centennial Sermon, preached in Winchendoa Deo
22, 1820. See >;ote RR. 2 See Kote SS. 3 See Note TT.
4
42 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
The pastor and most of those to whom he ministered,
have, ere this, gone to give up their account to Him
who is the Judge of all the earth.
After a space of about one year and six months, Rev.
Levi Pilsbury, educated at Dartmouth College, took
the pastoral charge of the church. He was ordained
June 24, 1801. He continued his labors till the pe-
riod of his death, which occurred April 5, IS 19, in
the 48th year of his age, and 18th year of his minis-
try.
ir- Mr. Pilsbury's labors were greatly blessed to this
people ; and there are many now, who hold his name
in affectionate remembrance. During his ministry the
church and people enjoyed a good degree of prosperi-
ty. There were one or two powerful (though they
cannot, perhaps, be considered extensive, or general)
revivals of religion, which are now remembered with
lively interest by the elder members of the church.
During the second year of his ministry, 20 or more
were added to the church by recommendation and
original profession.
In June, 1810, the number of church members was
130 — 55 males and 75 females. In May, 1815, it
was only 107 — -30 males and 67 females.^
After the death of Mr. Pilsbury, the church was
1 Eev. Mr. Clark in his centennial Sermons, 1S20 (in M.S.) says, "It
does not appear that there lias l»een a ceneral revival of religion in this
place since the gathering of the chui-t;h ; yet the church ha^^ been con-
tinued and blessed, the subject of church discipline has been regarded,
several members, from tinie to time, have been adiuonished, and several
for their disorderly conduct, have been excommunicated."
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 4^
destitute of a settled minister about eighteen months ;
and after making several unsuccessful attempts to set-
tle another/ the people were united in the choice of
Rev. Eber L. Clark, to be their pastor. He had pre-
viously been settled in Chatham, Conn., and Granby,
Conn.
Mr. Clark was installed pastor of this church, Oct.
1.3, 18:20. He was dismissed at his request by vote
of the church, Jan. 2, 1835. The doings of the
church, in granting his request, were afterward con-
firmed by a mutual councif.^
During Mr. Clark's ministry, the church was greatly
mcreased. According to the records, over eighty
were added in the year 1822; and but three years
passed, during his labors here, in which there was not
some addition to the church by profession.
After the close of Mr. Clark's ministry, the church
was destitute of a pastor until March 2, 1836, when
Rev. Daniel O. Morton, who had before been settled
at Shoreham, Vt. and at Springfield, Vt. was installed.
Mr. Morton continued pastor of the church till June
29, 1841, when Mr. Morton having resigned his of-
fice, and the church having accepted the same, his
connection with this church was dissolved by a mutu-
al council.^
While Mr. Morton w^as pastor of this church, there
were received into its communion, by profession and
1 See Note UU. 2 See Note VV. 3 See Note WW.
44 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
recommendation from other churcheSj about 130
members.
For several years the church and society now re-
mained without a settled pastor, the pulpit being sup-
plied by various individuals. Meanwhile, a portion of
the church and society united in forming a new soci-
ety in the north part of the town, and consequently
separated from the first Congregational church and
society. The formation of this new church and the
evidence of novelties of other denominations, have
much reduced this in numbers and in wealth, although
the society is still abundantly able to support the in-
stitutions of religion. After the division of this
church and the separation of a portion of its members,
which occurred in 1843, the church remained without
a pastor for about three years. Rev. Benjamin Pcice,
however, was the stated supply for about two years.
On the last Sabbath in June, 1846, Mr. Malachi
Bullard, Jr. the present pastor, commenced his labors
among this people. Having received and accepted a
call from the church and society to settle with them
as their pastor, he was ordained, Nov. 19, 1846.'
The following have held the office of Deacons of
the first church. Richard Day, Abel Wilder, Moses
Hale, Samuel Prentice, Levi Moor, Amos Heywood,
Israel Whiton, Desire Tolman, George Coffin, Paul
Raymond, Reuben Hyde, John Cutter and Levi
Prentiss.
1 See Note XX.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. ^
The society at present, labor under the embarras-
ment of a house of worship which very much needs
rebuilding or repairing. The present place of wor-
ship, erected in 1792, is, probably, the oldest house
of worship which has not been remodelled in this re-
gion : and although it might be desirable for antiqui-
ty's sake to preserve the original as it is, yet more im-
portant reasons seem to demand some alteration and
improvements, which, it is now expected, will soon be
made.
^ Baptist Chtircli and Society.
About 50 years ago a Baptist church and society,
in the southwest part of Winchendon, were organ-
ized, which likewise included some members living in
the southeast part of Royalston. Rev. Mr. Symonds
was settled and continued their pastor many years.
After Mr. Symonds' dismission, they had successively,
Rev. Messrs. Cooper, Brown and Dunn. They have
now no pastor.
Methodists.
About the year 1800 was the beginning of the
Methodist operations in this town. Being Episcopal
in their church government, their desk is supplied by
such preachers as the Conference from lime to time
may Diuce upon the circuit. They have had many
wortliy ituierant and local preachers. The present
preacher is Rev. Mr. Gordon.
4B HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Universalists and Unitarians.
There are a few Universalists and some Unitarians
in this town, who, respectively, have meetings and
preaching occasionally among themselves.
North Congregational Church.
The Winchendon North Congregational Church
was organized on the 7th day of December, 1843, by
an ecclesiastical Council.^ The church consisted of
sixty-six members regularly dismissed from the first
Congregational church in Winchendon, and one mem-
ber from the Congregational church in Rindge, N. H.
An invitation to settle with them in the gospel minis-
try, was then extended to Mr. A. P. Marvin, a licen-
tiate of the New London (Ct.) Association, and a
graduate of the Seminary connected with Yale Col-
lege. This invitation being acceded to, religious ser-
vices were held in the new sanctuary, on the 10th day
of January, 1844. In the morning the church was
dedicated to the worship of the triune God; and in
the afternoon, the ordination exercises were held.^
Soon after, brethren Reuben Hyde and Ebenezer But-
ler were by the church, appointed Deacons. The
number of this church at the present time, Sept. 25,
1848, is one hundred and seven.
Early Settlers.
The population of this town has, from the first set-
tlement furnished emigrants to other towns and other
States. Great indeed, has been the emigration from
I See Note YY. 2 See Note ZZ.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 47
this town for the last sixty years. Yet the population
of the town has gradually increased in numbers from
its settlement to the present time ; but much more rap-
idly of late than at any former period, on account of the
mechanical and manufacturing establishments, from
which a large number find employment and support.
The following persons were among the early set-
tlers as appears from the records. The first catalogue
exhibits, at one view, those who were here at differ-
ent times for 10 or 12 years prior to the incorporation
of the town ; the other, in like manner, for 10 years
subsequent to that event. The date against each
name shews the time when he is ascertained to be
here, although some of them may have arrived some-
time previous. To fix the dates at which the differ-
ent families came into the place, and the particular
places where they settled, is no easy task. Some,
and perhaps many of the first settlers, who had fami-
lies, were in the place a part of one or two seasons
before they removed their families. If all the partic-
ulars were known, it would be difficult to say when
and where certain persons became permanent inhabi-
tants ; and it is much more diflicult now when most
of the facts are lost. An asterisk is prefixed to the
names of those persons in the following list, concern-
ing whose permanent settlement there rests uncer-
tainty.
Richard Day, 1753 *Abijah Smith, 1753
^Thom^s Wilder, 1753 William Moffatt, 1753
4o HISTORY OF
WINCHENDON.
*Thomas Berry/
1754
Jeremiah Stuart,
1762
*Thomas Jewett,"
1754
Reuben Wyman,
1762
John Darling,
1754
Thomas Sweetland,
1763
Benoni Boynton,
1754
Daniel Bixby,
1763
Thomas Brown,
1755
Theoph's Mansfield
,1764
John MofFatt,
1755
Seth Oak,
1764
Jacob Gould,
1755
William Oak,
1764
*Nathan'l Burnam,
1755
Silas Whitney,
1764
*Charles Tuttle,
1756
Stephen Choate,
1764
Henry Hodgkins,
1757
Nathaniel Bixby,
1764
Samuel Crag,
1757
Amos Spring,
1764
John Brown,
1757
Jonathan Foster,
1764
Gabriel Pouchey,
1758
Joseph Boynton,
1765
Nathan Pouchey,
1758
Joseph Stimson,
1765
William Hodgkins,
1758
Reuben Burnam,
1765
David Poor,
1758
Simeon Burnam,
1765
Joseph Fuller,
1758
Abner Hale,
1766
Samuel Titus,
1761
James Murdock,
1766
Timothy Darling,
1761
Levi Bixby,
1766
Rev. Dan'l Stimson
,1762
James Mansfield,
1766
Jonathan Stimson,
1762
Thomas Rugg,
1766
Ephrairn Stimson,
1762
Richard Bailey,
1766
Abel Wilder,
1762
Isaac Stimson,
1766
Daniel Goodridge,
1762
Dudley Perley,
1767
David Goodridge,
1762
John Cheney,
1767
Barthol'ew Pearson
, 1762
William Porter,
1767
1 It appears from the records of the Proprietors, that Col. T. Berry at-
tended nearly all the meetings of the Proprietors up to Mar. 10, "i756,
whether held at Ipswich, Lnnenhurtr, or Ipswich Canada, and that he
owned a house here, which was tortitied
2 Thos. Jewett owned a house here, which was fortified.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
49
John N. Parmenter,
1767
Moses Foster,
1770
Richard Pearson,
1767
Jesse Fox,
1770
Thomas Gary,
1767
Samuel Noyes,
1771
Jonathan Bixby,
1767
James Noyes,
1771
Amos Merriam,
1768
Jonas Bradish,
1771
Thornton Barret,
1768
Gideon Fisher,
1771
Micah Bovvker,
1768
Timothy Kneeland,
, 1771
Pvev. Joseph Brown,
, 1768
Stephen Boynton,
1771
John Boynton,
1769
John Porter,
1771
Thomas Sawyer,
1769
Joseph Fay,
1771
Peter Joshn,
1769
Edward Payson,
1771
Abijah Stimson,
1759
John Homer,
1772
Ebe'er Sherwin, sen
.1769
Matthew Knight,
J772
Solomon Bigelow,
1769
Zebulon Conant,
1772
Eli Smith,
1769
Francis Bridge,
1772
Phinehas Wheelock
,1769
Samuel Mason,
1772
WiUiam Joiner,
1769
Ephraim Gale,
1772
John Joiner,
1769
Ephraim Sawyer,
1772
Lemuel Sarjent,
1769
Antipas Dodge,
1772
Moses Hale,
1770
Levi Nichols,
1773
Jacob Hale,
1770
Miles Putnam,
1773
Amos Hale,
1770
Amos Edmands,
1773
Israel Green,
1770
Joseph Wilder,
1773
Gershom Fay,^
1770
Thomas Beals,
1773
Robert Bradish,
1770
Daniel Joslin,
1773
John Chamberlain,
1770
Ebenezer Smith,
1773
John Day,
1770
James McElwain,
1773
Daniel Gould,
1770
David Brown,
1773
1 Gershom Fay was carried as a pauper to Northborough in 1773.
50
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
William Whitney, 1774
Jona. Broadstreel, 1774
Eben'r Sherwin, 2d, 1774
David Stoddard, 1774
Daniel Balcom,
Samuel Spring,
Nathan Green,
1774
1774
1774
Nathaniel Brown, 1773
Roger Bates, 1773
Jonathan Evans, 1773
Levi Carter, 1773
Ebenezer How, 1773
Samuel Steel, 1773
Josiah Baldwin, 1773
Ezra Hyde, sen. 1774
Richard Day lived where Rev. Malachi Bullard
now lives. He came here from Lunenburg, and was
one of the first who removed his family into the place.
As early as 175- he opened a public house, which
was the first opened in the township. He was an
industrious, enterprising man, and was frequently em-
ployed in the public business of the place. In March,
1763, about three months after the church was or-
ganized, he w^as chosen a Deacon, which office he
sustained till his decease in 1774.
John Darling lived where Jason Keith now lives,
and was one of the first who removed his family into
the place. He afterward lived where Calvin Good-
ridge now lives.
Charles Tuttle lived where Simon Tuttle, sen. now
lives.
Gabriel Pouchey, of French descent, was taken
prisoner at Cape Breton in the French war — after-
ward came here — lived in a small house which stood
where Lyman Raymond's house now stands. He
died 1775,
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. Sf
David Poor lived where Simon Poland now lives.
Timothy Darling lived near where James Murdock
afterward lived — near where Henry Keith now lives.
Jonathan Stimson lived where John Esty, sen. now
lives. He afterward lived on the place now owned
by Elisha Beaman, where he was killed by the fall of
a tree blown down by the wind.
Abel Wilder, whose father Avas Thomas Wilder,
removed from Leominster — lived where Josiah Brown
lately lived. He was an active and enterprising man,
and was one of the most distinguished and influential
citizens of the town. Called early to public life, he
became acquainted with public business, and for about
30 years anterior to his decease, he sustained some of
the most important offices in the gift of his fellow cit-
izens. He was chosen a Deacon in Nov. 1767. He
was Captain of a Company of Militia. During several
years he filled the office of Town Clerk, and served
in the capacity of Selectman, and w^as for years a
magistrate in the place, a Representative to the Gen-
al Court, and a Senator from 1786 to the close of his
life. He died in Jaffi-ey, N. H. of the small pox,
Nov. 1, 1792.
Daniel Goodridge removed from Lunenburg, and
lived where the poor-house now is.
David Goodridge's house stood near where his grand-
son Jonas Nutting now lives.
Bartholomew Pearson lived in a small house which
stood where Geo. S. Coffin's store house now stands.
He died March 20, 1766.
52 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Jeremiah Stuart first settled where Dea. Samuel
Prentiss afterward lived. He removed to the place
where Phineas Parks, sen. now lives.
Theophilus Mansfield was the first Town Clerk.
Seth Oak lived in a house which stood where Eber
Arnold afterward lived, west of the bridge and long
causey. He was a Capt. in the army of the Revolu-
tion. He afterwards removed out of town.
William Oak lived east of the bridge and long
causey, in a house which stood where Phineas Ball
now lives.
Amos Spring and Samuel Spring lived in a small
house which stood where Ephraim Murdock, Esq. now
lives. They removed out of town.
Jonathan Foster lived where Barzillai Martin now
lives.
Joseph Boynton lived where his son Daniel Boyn-
ton afterward lived.
Abner Hale lived where Rev. Levi Pilsbury after-
ward lived — where the widow Pilsbury now lives.
James Murdock lived wliere Henry Keith now lives.
Levi Bixby lived in the north-westerly part of the
town, about one-fourth of a mile east from where
Samuel Brown now lives.
James Mansfield lived in a small house near the
burying ground.
Thomas Rugg lived about 60 rods west of where
Dea. Samuel Prentiss formerly lived. He removed
out of town.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. *33
Dudley Perley removed from Boxford, and lived
where Joseph Whitney, sen. now lives.
Amos Merriam lived in a house which stood on
land which Newall Wyman now owns.
Rev. Joseph Brown lived in a house in which Rev.
Malachi Bullard now lives.
Thornton Barret removed from Hopkinton — lived
in a house which stood where Jacob Wales, Esq.
more recently kept tavern.
John Boynton lived where James Payson afterward
lived — where Cyrus Grout now lives. He w^as Capt.
and afterward Colonel in the time of the revolution.
Peter Joslin, sen. lived in the northwest part of the
town, in a small house which stood a few rods west of
where the house of Samuel Brown, 2d, now stands.
Ebenezer Sherwin, sen. lived where the widow
Bigelow now lives.
Eh Smith lived on what is now^ called the Thomas
place.
Moses Hale removed from Boxford — lived in the
house where Seth Maynard now lives. He was chos-
en Dea. after Dea. Day's decease.
Jacob Hale removed with his family from London-
derry, N. H. lived a few years in a block house, which
had been occupied as a garrison, on land now owned
by his son, Nathaniel Hale. He afterward built and
lived in a house which stood where his grandson,
Merit Hale now lives.
Amos Hale came to this town from Boxford, and
lived where Capt. John Raymond now lives.
o4 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Robert Bradish removed to this town from Leicester.
John Chamberlin removed to this town from Tem«
pleton, lived in a small house which stood about 50
rods east of where Dea. Samuel Prentiss formerly
lived. He afterward lived with his son, Benjamin
Chamberlin in a small house which stood on land now
owned by Oliver Lovejoy, where he was killed by the
fall of a tree.
John Day, son of Dea. Richard Day, became of
age in 1770, and lived in the hou.-e in which James
Murdock, 2d, now lives.
Daniel Gould lived in a house which stood where
Benjamin Brown, sen. afterward lived.
Samuel Noyes removed from Andover, and lived
in a house whicli stood on the hill north of Capt. Geo.
Alger's house.
James Noyes lived in a house which stood where
Capt. Geo. Alger now lives.
Jonas Bradish came here from Templeton.
Edward Payson came from Rowley. He lived in
a house which stood where Barzillai Martin now lives.
Matthew Knight lived at the tavern house which
stood where Wm. B. Whitney's house now stands.
Francis Bridge lived where Asa Perley afterward lived.
Levi Nichols kept a public house where Capt. Oli-
ver Adams' house now stands.
Miles Putnam lived in a small house which stood
where Geo. S. Coffin's store-house now stands — and
owned the gristmill and sawmill on that place.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 66
Amos Edmands came from Framingham. His
house stood a few rods westerly of where his son,
Artemas Edmand's house now stands.
Joseph Wilder came from Leominster. He lived
in a house which stood near the house where his son
Capt. Luke Wilder now lives. He was Capt. of a
Military Company.
Ebenezer Smith lived where Isaac Grout afterward
lived.
James McElwain lived in a house which stood
where his son James McElwain now lives.
David Brown lived where his grandson, Wm.
Brown Esq. now lives.
Jonathan Evans lived in a house which stood where
Benj. Wilder's house now stands.
Samuel Steel lived where John Crosby now lives.
He removed out of town.
Ezra Hyde came from Newton. His house stood
near the house of Elisha Hyde, his grandson.
William Whitney removed from Weston. The
house in which he lived, where his grandson Joseph
Whitney, 2d, now lives, stands near the line between
this town and Gardner.
Jonathan Bradstreet lived in a small house which
stood where Lyman Raymond now lives.
Ebenezer Sherwin, 2d, came of age about 1774 —
lived where -the widow Sherwin now lives.
David Stoddard removed from Cohasset. His house
was near where his grandson, Levi Stoddard, lives.
56 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Daniel Balcom's house stood where his grandson,
Lincoln Balcom, now hves.
Schools.
In the first settlement of this town, schools were
very much neglected, as is generally the case in new
townships. It is probable that something was done
by private individuals at an earlier period, but during
the first year of its incorporation, it does not appear
that there was any school in the town. The first
appropriation found on record was at a town meeting,
Sept. 4, 1765, when the town voted to have a school
in (the centre of) the town, and to have 8 dollars,
paid out of the land tax, laid out in schooling.
In 1766 the town granted for schooling ^20 — in
1767, $13— in 1768, ,f 20, and then voted, that the
extreme parts of the town have their proportion of
schooling by themselves, they providing a place and
a keeper.^ In 1769, .f 13,33— 1770 to 1775, from
$24 to $61 yearly, 1777-1780 from $100 to $92,00
yearly, to be paid in paper currency. From this view
of the subject, we are enabled to judge of the oppor-
tunities which our fathers enjoyed for acquiring an
education. The difficulties attendant upon the first
settlement, and the burdens of the revolutionary war,
prevented that attention to education which would
otherwise have been given it.
After the close of the war, the cause of education
received more attention, and from that period to this,
• See Town Records,
HISTORY OF VVINCHENDON. 67
our schools have been improving. At the present
day we have eleven school districts, each of which
has a good school house. The house in district No,
2, is calculated for two schools.
In 1781-5, the town granted ,$120 yearly,
which then was $20 to each district, to be made
equal money in 1784,— 1786^8, $167 yearly,— 1789
-1805, from $200 to 450 yearly,-^! 806-22, $500
yearly, — for several years up to 1844, $1000 wa3
annually appropriated,— 1845, $ 1 100,^ 1846^7,
$1200,-1848, $1500.^
In the year 1845-6 our schools were kept in the
summer 31 months 14 days, by 12 female teachers,
and in the winter 21 months 21 days, by 9 male and
3 female teachers ; making the aggregate length of
the schools 59 months and 7 days. The number of
scholars of all ages that year was, in summer, 407, in
winter, 510.' In 1848, the number of persons in the
town between the ages of 4 and 16 years is 541.
Winchendon Academy.
This institution originated in the liberality of
Ephraim Murdock, Esq.
The Academy building, which is a finely propor-
tioned edifice, was erected in the summer of 1843,
with the intent of having it used for a high school or
Academy, for the benefit of the town and vicinity, as
J See Town Records. 2 gee Abstract of the Massachusetts Schooi
Betiirns for lS4')-6.
58 HISTORY OF WINCHENDUN.
long as there shall be a suitable school sustained in
the building — without any rent or other compensation
than keeping the premises in repair.
The building is 30 by 40 feet, two stories high,
with a projection in front, supported by 4 large fluted
columns standing on stone pedestals ; and inclosed in
a yard with a substantial railing on stone posts, and
ornamented with shady trees, and a gravel walk
through the centre.
The donor has also erected a large and convenient
boarding house, and a stable, for the benefit of the
institution. The expense of the buildings, including
the yard, is between three and four thousand dollars.
Also about ,f 400 has been laid out by the pro-
prietors, for furniture and apparatus for the Academy
and boarding house.
The lower story of the Academy is to be used ex-
clusively for a school-room, — the upper story or hall
to be used for lyceums and such other purposes as
the proprietors may think proper.
The institution is incorporated, the charter giving
the power of holding property to the amount of
$10,000.
Its design is to furnish facilities for instruction in
the higher branches of English education, and the
ancient and modern languages usually taught in
Academies.
The first academic term was held in the autumn of
1843, under the care of Mr. John G. Giles, a gradu-
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 99
ate of Dartmouth College. During succeeding years,
the Principals have been as follows : — Mr. Levi O.
Stevens of Burlington College, Mr. Stephen F. Kel-
logg and Mr. Charles L. Brace, both of Yale College.
Since the month of August, 1847, the Academy has
been under the superintendence of Mr. A. H. Mer-
riam, a graduate of Dartmouth, and an experienced
teacher.
The benfits of the institution are already manifest.
Many hundreds, of both sexes, ha^e already derived
grea! advantage from it : and the desire for a higher
and more thorough education has been excited in
many a youthful breast. If it shall be sustained ac-
cording to its praiseworthy design, it will be the source
of manifold blessings to the community.
CoUegiates.
Eight persons, inhabitants (and six of them na-
tives) of this town have received a collegiate educa-
tion : Otis Crosby, minister of the gospel in North
Yarmouth, Me. ; John M. Whiton, minister of the
gospel in Antrim, N. H.; Sam'l H. Tolman, minister of
the gospel in Weston, Vt.; Sewal Goodridge, minister of
the gospel in Canada ; Stephen Emory, Jun. attorney at
law ; Otis C. Whiton, minister of the gospel in Har-
risville, (Nelson) N. H. ; Gamaliel C. Beaman, minister
of the gospel in Indiana; Barret Washburn, sometime
preceptor of the Academy, Winchendon.
60 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Seasons of great mortality, Sudden Deaths, &/C.
Few towns have been favored with more general
health than this ; yet there have been seasons of great
mortality. The disorders which have prevailed to the
greatest extent, have been the dysentery and the
canker-rash. In 1775, the dysentery, then called
* fever and flux,' or ^ camp distemper,* prevailed :
some aged people, and many children died. In 1786,
28 persons died of the dysentery. In 1795, the
canker-rash, formerly called the ' throat distemper,'
prevailed in the west part of the town : many children
died. In 1810, the canker-rash prevailed here: the
whole number of deaths that year, was 54; 45 of
which were of children.
There have been many sudden deaths, some of
which were by violence, some by casualty.'
Population and other Statistics.
There are no exact data from which to estimate
the population till 1790, when the first official census
was taken.
The number of inhabitants in this town, was in
1790,951; in 1840, 1679; in 1846,2020. There
are 18 persons in this town, who are of the age of
80 years or more.' There are in the town two physi-
cians,' and one Attorney.*
» See Note A A. A. 2 The following gentlemen and ladies are 80 years
old and upwards, namely: Seth Tucker 91 years of age, Daniel Day 66,
Jonas Bradish 85, Simon Tuttle 85, John Esty 84, Isaac Taylor 84, Joel
Butler 83, Jacob Parks 83, Barzillai Martin 83, James Murdock sQ, Asa
Hale 81, Jacob Scott 80, Daniel May 80, Mrs. Wm. Poland 90, Mrs Re-
becca Graton 85, Mrs. Abigail Edmunds 83, Mrs. James Murdock 80, Mra»
Mary Chubb 87. 3 Alva Godding, Ira RusaeL 4 B, 0. Tyler.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Itt
The ratable property of the town within the last
ten years, has increased near one third. The stand-
ard valuation of the town for 1838, ^435,744 ; for
1848, $642,727 ; number of taxable polls in 1848,
644.
There are within the limits of the town (besides
such as those hereafter stated as being in the three
principal villages,) 1 grist mill, 16 saw mills, 2 pail
factories, 2 blacksmiths' shops, and a considerable
number of carpenters', coopers', turners', and other
mechanic shops, some of which are worked by
water power.
"WiEchendon Village.
This is sometimes called the North Village. It
lies on both side of Miller's river. Its extent from
east to west, is about 1 mile. Some of the streets
extend from south to north, from one-fourth to one-
half of a mile. The Cheshire railroad has recently
been completed through the village, on which, and
within the limits of the village, is a stately and con-
venient depot.*
Within the present limits of the village, there were
in 1784, but 4 dwelling houses, viz. one where Mr.
Geo. S. Coffin's store-house stands, occupied by
Capt. Edward Newton — one near where the depot is,
I Eegiular Cars first came ob the Cheshire railroad to Winchendon de-
pot, Monday Uct. 1, 1847.
$^ HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
owned by Mr. Seth Tucker, sen. — one where Esq.
Murdock now lives, occupied by Mr. Jeremiah Lord —
and one where Dea. Reuben Hyde now Hves, occu-
pied by Mr. Thaddeus Bowman. In 1825, there were
10 dwelling houses in the place.
There are now (1848) within the limits of the
village, 640 inhabitants, 92 dwelling houses, 3 meet-
ing houses, 1 Academy, I school house, 1 large hotel,
9 stores, 1 woolen factory,* 1 iron foundry, 1 machine
shop, 1 grist mill, 2 saw mills, 1 large bobbin manu-
factory, 1 tannery, 1 tub manufactory, 1 pail manu-
factory, 2 livery stables, with from 15 to 20 horses
each, 4 blacksmiths' shops, and various other shops
for manufacturing and mechanical purposes, occupied
by carpenters, coopers, wheelwrights, turners, shoe-
makers, harness-makers, tailors, and other mechanics
— and many other buildings.
Spring Village,
Was so called from its location around the mineral
springs, which, together with the land in the vicinity,
were, about the year 1800, owned and occupied by
Mr. Jacob Whitney. By him the two first buildings,
which were very small ones, were erected in the place.
This Village is about 2 miles easterly from the North
t Owned by the Winchendon Manufacturing Corporation, in which are
three sets of Machinery. About 200,000 yards twilled fl:innels per year
we manufactured, employing 15 male, and 13 female bands. Value ol
goods manufactured, about $50,000 annually.
I
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 63
Village, and about 3 miles northeast from the centre
of the town.
The north, or Monomenoc branch of Miller's river,
runs through this village, on v^^hich river has been
erected a cotton factory. The Spring Manufacturing
Company has been incorporated, and owns the estab-
lishment. The factory, now owned by a corporation,
known as the ' Nelson Mills Manufacturing Company,'
contains about 6000 spindles, and gives employment
to 175 individuals. The present number of inhabi-
tants in the village is nearly 400. There is one
school-house in the village. Two trading companies
are doing business in the place. The water power
1-4 of a mile below the Nelson Mills, is improved
with lumber apparatus to some extent, though not to
its full capacity. Should the water power within the
village be occupied to its full extent, it probably would
support a population to the number of 1000; as it is,
the number of inhabitants and dwelling houses are on
the increase.
Waterville
Lies on both sides of Miller's river, about a mile
westerly from the North Village. In 1810, there was
no building in the place. 1817, there were only one
dwelling house and one saw mill.
Waterville contains now (1848) 34 dwelling houses,
46 families and 225 inhabitants. It has 2 stores, 1
saw^ and stave mill, in which a large amount of work
h done, 3 pail shops, in which about 300,000 pails,
64 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
tubs, churns, &c. are manufactured yearly, employing
from 40 to 50 hands. It also contains a box and
bobbin factory, in which are made annually 400,000
bobbins and 10,000 nests of boxes, and in which are
employed 1 1 hands. It has also a machine shop and
a shoe shop.
There is not a single mean or worthless dwelling
house in either of the three above-named villages.
BEMAaKABLE EVENTS.
Memorable "Winds.
There was a hurricane at Winchendon, Oct. 15,
1795, about 5 o'clock, P. M. Several houses and
barns were partly unroofed or otherwise injured. One
house (Mr. Thornton Barret's) was nearly ruined.
Wool, blown from one chamber, was found adhering
to apple trees, three or four miles distant.
A high wind, Sept. 1816, blew down many acres
of wood and timber in the westerly part of the town.
The Hard Winter.
The winter of 1779-80, is memorable as the Hard
Winter. An immense body of snow covered the
ground ; and so intense was the cold that for six
weeks water did not drop from the eaves.
The Dark Day.
May 19, 1780, was remarkable throughout New
England for its unusual darkness. It began about
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON. 65
10 o'clock, A. M. ; at 11, the darkness was so great
that the fowls retired to their roosts, and the cattle
came to the barns as at night. Before 12 candles
became necessary. The darkness increased through
the evening.
Total Eclipse of the Sun, Jane, 1806.
In this vicinity, and probably throughout New Eng-
land, this interesting phenomenon was observed under
very favorable circumstances. The day was remark-
ably fine. Not a cloud obscured any part of the
hemisphere. The air was dry and clear, and the
heavens, before the obscuration, were in a robe of the
brightest azure.
The wind was northwest in the morning, but shifted
to the northeast after the eclipse commenced, and
continued easterly until its completion. No dew fell.
There was a sensible chillness, however, in the air.
The duration of total darkness was upwards of four
minutes.
The departing light of the sun was supportable to
the naked eye. It was otherwise with the first return
of light, which was extremely vivid and inexpressibly
rapid in its access. The portion of the sun which
first reappeared, was to the naked eye of a globular
form and seemed like a ball of fire.
The exhibition was wonderfully magnificient, and
inspired one universal sentiment of admiration and
awe.
66 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
The breadth of the shadow was found to be about
120 miles, and enveloped the entire territory of Mas-
sachusetts, except Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
NOTES
At a Great and General Court, in and for His Majesty's
Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, be-
gun and held at Boston, on Wednesday, the twenty-eighth
day of May, 1735, and continued by several adjournments
to Wednesday, the nineteenth of November following.
In the Hoihse of Representatives, June 10, 1735, in
alfewer to the petition of Lieut. Abraham Tilton and
others,
Voted, That a Tract of Land of the contents of six
miles square, be laid out in a suitable place in the western
part of this Province, and that the whole of the Town be
laid into sixty three shares ; one of which to be for the
first settled Minister, one for the use of the Ministry, and
one for the School ; and that on the other sixty shares
there be sixty admitted ; and in the admission thereof
preference to be given to the Petitioners, and such as are
the descendants of the officers and soldiers who served in
the expedition to Canada in the year 1690, viz : a Tract
of Land for a Township to the said Abraham Tilton and
others. And inasmuch as the officers and soldiers [who
served in] that expedition were very great sufferers, and
underwent uncommon hardships.
68 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Voted, That this Province be at the whole charge of
laying said Township in a regular manner, and of admit-
ting the settlers : that the settlers of Grantees hereby are
obliged to bring forward the settlement of said Township
in as regular and defensible a manner as the situation and
circumstances of the place will admit of, and that in the
following manner, viz : That they be on the granted prem-
ises, and have each of them a house of eighteen feet square,
and seven feet stud at the least, that each Right or Grant
have six acres of land brought to, ploughed or brought to
English grass, and fitted for mowing : that they settle in
the plantation or township a learned and orthodox Minis-
ter, and build a convenient Meetinghouse for the public
worship of God in the Township: the whole of these con-
ditions to be duly complied with within five years from the
confirmation of the Plat. And that Capt. John Hobson
and Capt. John Choate, with such as the Honorable Board
shall appoint, be a Committee for laying out the T-^wnship
hereby granted to Abraham Tilton and others, and admit-
ting the settlers as aforesaid, who shall take bond of each
grantee to the value of twenty pounds to the Province
Treasurer for the respective grantees' fulfillment of the
conditions of their grant. Each lot as aforesaid to be en-
titled to, and draw future divisions in equal proportions in
the township or plantation : and that the Committee return
the Plat of the said township to the Court, within twelve
months for confirmation, as also the list of the names of
the grantees, and their place of residence, into the Secre-
tary's oflice, that so the same may be examined and regu-
lated by a Committee that may be hereafter appointed by
this Court. And further, it is hereby ordered, that in case
any of the grantees shall neglect or delay to fulfill the terms
NOTES. 69
of the grant, such person or persons shall forfeit to the
Province all his or their right and interest in the land here-
by granted.
Sent up for concurrence,
J. Q,uincy, Speaker.
In Council, June 18th, 1735.
Read and Concurred and
Ordered, that Thomas Berry, Esq., be joined to the
Committee for laying out the Township.
J. VVillard, Secretary.
Dec. 29. Consented to,
J. Belcher.
A true Copy,
Examined, Thads. Mason, Dept. Sec'y.
A true Copy, Attest,
Thos. Norton, Jun., Pro. Cler.
The above document is transcribed from the MS. Book
of Records of the Original Proprietors of Ipswich Cana-
da, commonly called The Proprietors' Book.
B
In the House of Representatives, March 27, 1736,
Ordered, That Thomas Berry, Esq be fully authorized
and empowered to assemble and convene the Proprietors
and Grantees in Canada Township, on the petition of
Abraham Tilton and others of Ipswich &c. in some suita-
ble place and convenient time, to choose a Proprietors'
Clerk, and pass such Votes and Orders as they may think
necessary for the regular carrying on the settlement of the
said Township, agreeable to the conditions of their grant,
and to agree how meetings shall be called for the future.
Sent up for concurrence,
J. duincy, Speaker.
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
In Council, March 27, 1736,
Read and concurred,
Simon Frost, Dep. Sec.
Consented to, J. Celcher.
A true Copy, Examined, Simon Frost, Dep. Seer.
Attest, Thos. Norton, Jun., Pro. Cler.
Propriitors^ Book.
Essex, ss. At a Meeting of the Committee appointed
by the General Court for the Province of the Massachu-
setts Bay in New England, to lay out a Township of the
contents of six miles square in answer to a petition of
Abraham Tilton and others, officers and soldiers in the
expedition to Canada, Anno 1690, the following persons
were admitted as Grantees of said Township, and gave
Bonds to fulfill the Court's Order thereon.
Ipswich, April I3th, 1736.
■
Place of
Right entered on.
Persons* names.
abode.
Father,
Thomas Berry, Esq.,
Ipswich.
Own,
Jonathan Wade, Esq.,
Ipswich.
Own,
John Harris,
Ipswich.
Own,
Thomas Hovey,
Ipswich.
Own,
Abraham Perkins,
Ipswich.
Husband and Father, Widow Rachel Rust,
Ipswich.
Own,
Abraham Tilton,
Ipswich.
Own,
Benjamin White,
Ipswich.
Own,
Samuel Poland,
Ipswich.
Brother John,
Thomas Lufkin,
Ipswich.
Brother Jacob,
( Thomas Lufkin is next
( friend to Mary Lufkin,
Ipswich.
Uncle Benedictus,
Ebenezer Pulcepher,
Glocester
Father Moses,
Jabez Sweet,
Ipswich.
NOTES.
71
Father's, Solomon Giddinge,
Brother William, Joseph Goodhue,
Father's, William Flaskell,
Brother Thomas, John Ring,
Uncle Joseph, Benjamin Chadwell,
Brother John, Edward Nealand,
T. 1 -rw -rv • ( Nath. Rogers as Guard'n
Uncle D. Denison, < ^ t t^ • „
' ( to J no. Denison,
Wife's Father Durgee, John Martin,
Father Servant,
Father's,
Uncle Joseph,
Father's,
Own,
Own,
Uncle Moses Pierce
Brother Thomas,
Father's,
Brother Elisha,
Brother Benjamin,
Father's,
Own,
Uncle,
Father Whipple,
Uncle Freeman,
Brother George,
Dil. Caldwell,
Brother William,
Isaac Knowlton,
John Thompson, |||
r John Wood in the room
< of and by the consent of
( his Father,
( John Downing byEd.Ev-
\ eleth his Attorney,
Thomas Berrin,
David Low,
, Moses Wells,
George Hart,
William Cogswell,
Thomas Tredwell,
Jonathan Jewett, Jun.
Robert Cross,
Adam Cogswell,
Benjamin Chadwell,
The Hon.Simonds Epes,
Nathaniel Clark,
Nathaniel Clark,
r Capt. Edward Eveleth by
< and at the request of
t Dilingham Caldwell,
Nathaniel Caldwell,
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Glocester.
Glocester.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Boston.
Rowley.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich,
Rowley.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.
72
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Father,
Henry Wise,
r Thomas Norton, Jan. at
Ipswich.
John Ayers,
< the request of Samuel
( Ayers, a Petitioner,
Ipswich.
Own,
John Ross,
Ipswich.
Father's,
Isaac Giddinge,
j- Edward Eveleth at the
Ipswich.
Thomas Metcalf,
< requestof Jos. Metcalf
( a Petitioner,
Ipswich.
Father's,
Moses Davis,
Ipswich.
Grandfather,
Ephraim Fitts,
Ipswich.
Pearce, W
Thomas Boardman,
Ipswich.
Edward Chapman,
Ipswich.
John Goodhue,
Ipswich.
Uncle Isaac,
Abraham Foster, Jun.
Ipswich.
Major Ward,
Doct. Nicholas Noyes,
Andover.
Father's,
John Pindar,
Ipswich.
Uncle Samuel,
Nathaniel Lord,
Ipswich.
Uncle Edmond,
Samuel Ingalls,
Ipswich.
Brother Aaron,
Moses Kimball,
Ipswich.
Uncle Cheney,
John Leighton,
Ipswich.
Rob't Nelson,
Joseph Annable,
Beverly.
Math. Hooker,
Widow Mary Hooker,
r Thomas Lord, Jun. at
Ipswich.
Uncle Saund,
} his Father Jno. Lord's
( request,
Ipswich.
Proprietors^ Book.
D
See the History of the County of Worcester, compiled
by Rev. Peter Whitney of Northborough, Article Win-
chendon.
That History was published in 1793, to which the Edi-
NOTES. 73
tor is much indebted, and from which, copious extracts will
be made in the present work.
E
The Proprietors and Grantees of the new Township
lately granted to Mr. Abraham Tilton and others, officers
and soldiers in the expedition to Canada anno 1690, are
hereby notified and warned to assemble and meet at the
Townhouse in Ipswich, on Monday the thirty-first day of
instant May at four of the clock afternoon, then and there
to choose a Proprietors' Clerk, and to pass such votes and
orders as may be thought most proper for bringing forward
the said Township agreeable to the General Court's order.
And to agi'ee how to call meetings of said Proprietors for
the future.
Thomas Berry, pr. order.
Dated at Ipswich, May 20th, 1736.
Proprietors^ Book.
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors and Grantees of the
new Township lately granted to Mr. Abraham Tilton and
others, officers and soldiers in the expedition to Canada
Anno 1690, at the Town house in Ipswich on Monday the
31st day of May, Anno Domini 1736.
Voted, That Col. Thomas Berry be Moderator.
Voted, That Thomas Norton, Jun. be Clerk to the
Proprietors : and he was sworn to the faithful discharge of
his office, by Thomas Berry, Esq. at the same time.
Voted, That any two of the Committee, viz : Gol.
Thomas Berry, Capt. John Choate, and Capt. John Hob-
6
74 HISTORY or WINCHENDON.
son, be empowered to employ two men to burn the woods,
if, according to their discretion, they shall think it best.
Voted, That any five of the Proprietors or Grantees
shall have power to call a Meeting, and five days from the
date of the notification shall be a sufficient warning.
Voted, That this Meeting be dissolved : and the Mod-
erator declared the Meeting dissolved accordingly.
Attest, Thos. Norton, jun.. Pro. Cler.
Proprietors' Book.
To Mr. Thomas Norton, Jun., Clerk of the Proprietors
of that Tract of Land granted to Abraham Tilton and
others. These are to desire you to set up a
Notification to warn said Proprietors to meet at the Town
house in Ipswich, on Monday the 2iSth day of June instant,
at 4 of the clock afternoon, in order to choose a certain
number of the Proprietors to go and view said Tract of
Land, and to make report how it is accommodated on all
accounts, and to act and transact any other thing that may
be proper and necessary to be done to forward the settle-
ment thereof. Jonathan Wade,
Edward Eveleth,
Henry Wise,
Dated Ipswich, Thos. Hovey,
June 19th, 1736. Benjamin Chadwell.
Pursuant to the above written Warrant, to me directed,
I notified the above named Proprietors to meet at the time
and place above mentioned, by setting up a notification on
the meetinghouse door, and by sending one to each of the
parishes, viz : Chebacco and the Hamlet.
Dated Ipswich, Attest,
June 19, 1736. Thos. Norton, Jun. Pro. Cler.
NOTES. 75
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of that Tract of
Land granted to Lieut. Abraham Tilton and others, at the
Town house in Ipswich, on Monday the 28th day of June,
Anno Domini, 1736.
Voted, That Capt. Edward Eveleth be Moderator.
Voted, That Capt. Edward Eveleth, Lieut. Solom.on
Giddinge, Mr. Wm. Cogswell, Mr. John Martin and Mr.
Isaac Giddinge be a Committee to go and view the land,
and see the qualifications thereof, and report to the Pro-
prietors as soon as may be.
Voted, That the Committee, having performed the ser-
vice aforesaid, shall have a reasonable satisfaction.
Voted, That the Meeting be dissolved. And the Mod-
erator declared the Meeting dissolved accordingly.
Attest, Thos. Norton, jun.. Pro. Cler.
Proprietors^ Book.
H
The meeting was called by five Proprietors, viz : Thomas
Berry, Edward Eveleth, Henry Wise, George Hart, and
Moses Kimball ; and notified by Thos. Norton, jun.. Pro.
Cler.
At a legal Meeting of the Proprietors of that Tract of
Land granted to Lieut. Abraham Tilton and others at the
Town house in Ipswich on Thursday the 4th day of No-
vember, Anno Domini 1736.
Voted, That Col. Thomas Berry be Moderator.
Voted, That Col. Thomas Berry, Capt. Edward Eveleth,
and Lieut. Abraham Tilton be the Committee to lot and
lay out the first division, which is not to be under fifty
acres, and not to exceed a hundred.
16 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Voted, That Jonathan Wade, esq. be Treasurer.
Voted, That each Proprietor of every original Right
shall pay into the treasury three pounds to defray the
charges that have already arisen, or shall hereafter arise in
lotting the Township or otherwise.
Voted, That this meeting be dissolved : And it was ac-
cordingly dissolved by the Moderator.
Attest, Thos. Norton, jun., Pro. Cler.
Proprietors^ Book.
Extracts from the records of the Meeting, 6th May, 1737.
Voted, for Assessors Col. Thomas Berry, Thomas Nor-
ton, jun. and Mr. Henry Wise.
Voted, That Capt. Edward Eveleth and Mr. William
Cogswell be Collectors. — Proprietors* Book.
Essex, ss. To Mr. Thomas Norton, jun., Clerk of the
Proprietors of the Township lately granted to Mr. Abra-
ham Tilton and others, officers and soldiers in the expe-
dition to Canada 1690.
You are hereby required to notify and warn the Gran-
tees and Proprietors of the Township lately granted to Mr.
Abraham Tilton and others, officers and soldiers in the
expedition to Canada Anno 1690, that they assemble and
meet at the house of Mr. Nath'l Tredwell innholder in
Ipswich on Thursday the 27th day of October current, at
4 of the clock afternoon, then and there to receive the re-
turn of the Committee appointed to lay out the first divis«
NOTES. 77
ion of lots, and subdivide the same or part of them, if the
Proprietors shall think best.
2. To make proper and suitable provision for ways
through said lots.
3. To agree upon some method for clearing to the cen-
ter of the first division of lots, or where they shall agree
upon to set the first Meetinghouse.
4. To fix upon the place to erect ajid build a Meeting-
house, and to reserve a sufficient quantity of land out of
some of the lots for a training field and burying place.
5. To make proper allowance to the person who may
draw the lot out of which the aforesaid reserves may be
made.
6. To give liberty to such of the Proprietors as may
draw a lot not accommodable for settling, to make a sec-
ond draft out of the supernumerary lots that are laid out.
7. To make suitable provision for the erecting and
building of a Sawmill.
8. To give such encouragement to the Grantee who
shall build, agreeable to the General Court's order, the
first dwellinghouse of 18 feet in length and 7 feet stud, as
shall be judged necessary and convenient.
9. For each Grantee to draw his lot in the first division
now laid out : and such of them as have not already paid
the three pounds voted at the last Meeting to defray the
charge of laying out the lots, pay the same before they be
allowed to draw their lots.
10. To take some proper method to obtain leave of the
General Court to dispose of lots that may be lost to any of
the Grantees who shall neglect and refuse to pay the charge
that hath already arisen in laying out the lots and other-
ways.
78 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
11. To settle and adjust accounts with such persons to
whom the Grantees and Proprietors are indebted.
Thomas Berry,
Edward Eveleth,
Abraham Tilton,
Dated Ipswich, Henry Wise,
Oct. 22d, 1737. Jonathan Wade.
Pursuant to the aforementioned warrant, to me directed,
I have notified and warned the aforesaid Proprietors to
meet at time and place aforesaid, by setting up a notifi-
cation on the meetinghouse door in the first parish in Ip-
swich, and by sending one to each of the neighboring par-
ishes, viz : Chebacco and the Hamlet.
Dated at Ipswich, Oct. 22d, 1737.
Attest, Thos. Norton, jun., Pro. Cler.
At a legal Meeting of the Proprietors of the Township
lately grranted by the General Court to Mr. Abraham Til-
ton and others, officers and soldiers in the expedition to
Canada, Anno Domini 1690, at the house of Mr. Nath'l
Tredwell in Ipswich, on Thursday the 27th of Oct., A. D.
1737.
Voted, That Col. Thomas Berry be Moderator.
Voted, That the return of the Committee appointed to
lay out the first division of lots be accepted and recorded,
being a hundred acres in each lot.
Voted, That the land left for ways be reserved for the
Proprietors' use and service, as they shall order and direct.
Voted, That 5 acres be reserved out of No. 1 in the
south division, for building a Meetinghouse on, a burying
place and training field : And that an equivalent be allow-
ed out of lot No. 30, in the south division, to the Propri-
etor drawing lot No. 1.
NOTES. iy
Voted, That there be a road cut from Earlington* as near
as may be to the meetinghouse lot, at the charge of the
Proprietors.
Voted, That liberty may ye given to such of the Pro-
prietors as may draw a lot not accommodable for settling,
to make a second draft out of the supernumerary lots that
are already laid out : if not in them, then in the undivided
lands, at his own charge that desires it.
Voted, that the use of the streams running through the
Township be reserved to the Proprietors, and they shall
have liberty to set up such mills as they shall think neces-
sary for the Proprietors for six years to come. The per-
son, through whose land the stream shall pass, to erect a
mill if he think proper : but on his refusal, the Proprietors
may and shall dispose thereof as they shall think best,
without making any other allowance to the Proprietor
of said lot than for such damages as may be done on his
land, but none for the stream. And that no mill be erected
on said Township, but by the allowance of the Proprie-
tors, for the aforesaid term of six years.
Voted, That the sum of twenty pounds be allowed and
paid out of the Proprietors' treasury to each of the three
Grantees who shall first build three houses in the Township,
agreeable to the General Court's act, and have a family
settled in them : provided the family be settled there on or
before the last of October next.
Voted, That each Grantee pay the sum of three pounds
before he be allowed to draw his lot.
Voted, That Mr. Abraham Tilton, the father of thePe-
* The Editor has not yet discovered what place is here meant by Earl-
ineton.
80 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
tition, be allowed to choose his lot. (He chose the lot
No. 30 in the north division.)
Voted, That the lots No. 14 and 15 in the south division
be reserved for the Proprietors' order.
Voted, That the lot No. 1 in the north division be the
Ministry or Parsonage lot.
Voted, That the lot No. 31 in the south division be the
Minister's lot.
A list of the Proprietors, and of each Right drawn for
each Proprietor.
Names.
Eights.
Lieut. Abraham Tilton,
N. D. No. 30
Thomas Lord, jun.,
S. D. No. 26
Moses Davis,
S. D. No. 27
Widow Mary Hooker,
N. D. No. 17
Isaac Knowlton,
S. D. No. 16
Edward Eveleth,
N. D. No. 35
John Ring,
N. D. No. 25
John Martin,
N. D. No. 12
Rev. Nath'l Rogers for J. Denisor
I, N. D. No. 6
George Hart,
N. D. No. 22
John Leighton,
S. D. No. 9
Edward Chapman,
N. D. No. 2
John Pindar,
N. D. No. 23
Benj. Chadwell,
N. D. No. 26
David Low,
N. D. No. 8
Benjamin Chadwell,
N. D. No. 15
John Ross,
N. D. No. 18
Edward Nealand,
S. D. No. *
John Wood,
S. D. No. *
Moses Welles,
N. D. No. 3
* MS. illegible.— Ed.
NOTES. 81
Edward Eveleth, S. D. No. 7
Widow Rachel Rust, S. D. No. 3
Wm. (^ogswell, S. D. No. 23
Samuel Ingalls, N. D. No. 24
Hon. Simonds Epes, esq., S. D. No. 4
Doct. Nicholas Noyes, S. D. No. 12
Thos. Norton, jun., S, D. No. 25
Thomas Perrin, N. D. No. 14
Robert Cross, N. D. No. 20
Thos. Luf kin, S. D. No. 33
Isaac Giddinge, N. D. No. 5
Thos. Boardman, N. D. No. 32
Thos. Tredwell, S. D. No. 34
Nath'l Tredwell, N. D. No. 31
Hon. Thomas Berry, esq., S. D. No. 2
Jonathan Jewett, jun. S. D. No. 35
Joseph Annable, N. D. No. 28
Henry Wise, N. D. No. 19
Joseph Goodhue, S. D. No. 20
John Goodhue, N. D. No. 29
Moses Kimball, S. D. No. 5
Adam Cogswell, S. D. No. 18
Ephraim Fitts, S. D. No. 10
John Downing, N. D. No. 4
Thos. Hovey, N. D. No. 21
School, N. D. No. 10
Nath'l Clark, N. D. No. 7
Samuel Poland, N. D. No. 18
Abraham Perkins, N. D. No. 33
Jabez Sweet, S. D. No. 13
Benj. White, S. D. No. 11
John Thompson, S. D. No. 30
82 HISTORY OF VVINCHENDON.
Jonathan Wade, esq.
N. D.
No. 4
Thos. Luf kin,
N. D.
No. 16
John Harris,
N. D.
No. 27
Solomon Giddinge,
S. D.
No. 22
Wm. Haskell,
S. D.
No. 29
Ebenezer Pulcepher,
S. D.
No. 32
Nath'I Clark,
S. D.
No. 36
Abraham Foster, jun.,
S. D.
No. 6
Nath'I Lord,
N. D.
No. 34
Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Thursday the
third of Nov. next at four of the clock afternoon, to meet
at this place.
At a legal Meeting of the Proprietors of the Township
granted to Mr. Abraham Tilton and others &c., at the
house of Mr. Nath'I Tredwell in Ipswich on Thursday,
27th Oct., A. D., 1737, and continued by an adjournment
to Thursday 3d day of November following to meet at the
said Tredwell's, and met accordingly.
Col. Thomas Berry, Moderator.
The Proprietors of the Township granted to Mr. Abraham
Tilton and others, &c.. To Thomas Berry Dr.
1736, March. To a book of Records, ^1-10-0
To a journey to Lancaster to secure the laying
out of the Township, expense, horse, &c., 5-00-0
To 1 day's attendance on the Grantees and
admitting, 0-15-0
To 1-2 day in said service, 0-07-6
To a copy of the Plan &c. from the Sec'ry's
office, 0-15-0
To a journey and service in laying out the
lots, expenses &-c. 5-00-0
Errors excepted.
pr. Thomas Berry.
NOTES. 83
The Proprietors &,c., To John Hobson, esq. Dr.
To 1 day's attendance admitting Grantees, <£0-15-0
Voted, That the acc'ts of Col. Thomas Berry, and John
Hobson, Esq., above written, be allowed and paid out of
the Proprietors' treasury to them in full discharge thereof.
Ipswich Canada Grantees Dr.
1736. Paid to the Deputy Sec'ry for Copies, .£0-10-0
To 1 1-2 days' attendance in admitting
Grantees, 1-02-6
To a journey up the country, horse and
expenses included, 5_00-6
Errors excepted Total .£6-13-0
John Choate.
Voted, That the aforesaid acco't be allowed, and that
the sum of six poinds and thirteen shillings be paid out of
the Proprietors' treasury to John Choate, Esq. in full dis-
charge of his account.
Voted, That the sum of sixty one pounds and six shil-
lings be paid out of the Proprietors' Treasury to Thomas
Berry esq. in discharge of the accounts of Messrs. Wheel-
er, Parker, Wetherbee, Richardson, Bellows, and the two
surveyors, for laying out the first division in the Township.
Oct. 27, 1737. The Community of Ipswich Canada Dr.
To Abraham Tilton for 17 days' work at
15s pr. day, ^12-15-0
Voted, That the sum of twelve pounds and fifteen shil-
lings be paid out of the treasury to Lieut. Abraham Tilton
in full discharge of his acccunt.
Voted, That 13 shillings per day be allowed, and paid
out of the treasury, to each of those that assisted in lot- ^
ting out the Township, being 17 days each, viz : John
84 HISTORY OF VVINCHENDON.
Martin, Isaac Martin, Thomas Brown, Francis Goodhue,
and John Martin jun. amounting to the sum of eleven
pounds one shilling to each of them.
Voted, That six pounds be allowed and paid out of the
treasury, to such Proprietor as shall cut a horse way from
Earlington road to the Meetinghouse lot.
Voted, That the sum of i^3-03-2, the expenses of the
house, be allowed and paid out of the treasury to Mr.
Nath'l Tredwell.
The Proprietors of Canada Township granted to Mr.
Tilton and others, &lC. Dr.
To the Committee that went to view the Township name-
ly, Edward Eveleth, Abraham Tilton, Solomon Gid-
dinge, John Martin and Isaac Giddinge, Sept. 28 to
Oct. 1736, to 9 days each at 15s pr. day, of 33-15-0
To paid John Bennett the pilot, ^ 3-00-0
Errors excepted. Total ^36-15-0
Edward Eveleth.
Voted, That the sum of thirty six pounds and fifteen
shillings be paid out of the treasury to the Committee
aforesaid in discharge of their accounts.
Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to this day three
weeks at 4 of the clock afternoon, to meet at this place :
And met accordingly.
Col. Thos. Berry, Moderator.
Voted, That liberty be granted to draw John Downing's
lot, but it is not to be recorded till he shall have paid his
three pounds.
Voted, That this meeting be dissolved : And it was ac-
cordingly dissolved by the Moderator.
Attest, Thos Norton jun. Pro. Cler.
Proprietors^ Book.
NOTES. 85
The above cited extract, together with the following
note adduced from Mr. Torrey's valuable History of the
Town of Fitchburg, will show the value of labor and ser-
vices about one century ago. The currency and common
mode of reckoning then was old tenor.
' Old Tenor' and * Lawful Money' explained.
" As many of my readers, at the present day, would
probably find it difficult to determine the difference be-
tween ' Old Tenor' and ' Lawful Money,' I will here add
that in the year 1702 recourse was had in the New Eng-
land provinces to a paper currency to support the expenses
of the government, and furnish a substitute for a circulat-
ing medium. The bills purported that they would be re-
deemed at a certain time, which was done at first, but it
soon became customary to redeem them by new emissions.
This being done pretty liberally, they began to depreciate
in value. In Massachusetts, where their value was kept
up better than in the other provinces, the depreciation was
at the rate of seven and a half for one in specie. This
currency acquired the name of Old Tenor — seven shillings
and six pence being equal to only one shilling in silver,
which was called ' Lawful money,' orninepence sterling of
Great Britain.
In the year 1750, the government of Great Britain made
a grant of a sum of money to Massachusetts to remuner-
ate the province for its exertions in the late war with
France. Governor Hutchinson proposed that this sum,
which was sent over in dollars and parts of dollars, should
be appropriated to redeem the whole of the bills of credit
of the province. This proposition, after much opposition,
was carried into effect ; and eventually it was productive
86 HISTORY OF WINCHEiNDON.
of much good. Accordingly the circulation of Old Ten-
or bills was finally stopped on the 31st of March, 1750.
The last emission of the Old Tenor bills was made by
Gov. Shirley in order to defray the expenses of the expe-
dition against Cape Breton in 1745. This he did contra-
ry to the express orders of the king to put a stop to them ;
but as the plan was successful, no notice was taken of this
breach of orders."
N. B. — 5 shillings Old Tenor=:8 pence Lawful Money
of Massachusetts=:about 11 cents Federal Money. — £5
O. T.=13s 4d L. M.-=8:>,22 F. M.— cilOOO. T.=£V3-
6-8 L. M.=:e44,45 F. M.
K
* Old Style' and ' New Style' Explained.
The young reader may naturally inquire the reason of
this month February being in the same year with the pre-
vious October. For information this note is inserted. The
Old Style was in use and the year began on the 25th of
March, until 1752; after which the year began on the 1st
of January.
Extract from the Act of Parliament regulating the
commencement of the year, and for correcting the calen-
dar now in use.
Whereas the legal supputation of the year of our Lord
in England according to which the year beginneth on
the 25th day of March, hath been found by experience to
be attended with divers inconveniences — therefore — Be it
enacted. That the said sapputation, according to which
the year of our Lord beginneth on the 25th day of March,
shall not be made use of from and after the last day of
NOTES. 87
December, 1751 ; and that the first day of January next
following the said last day of December, shall be reck-
oned, taken, deemed and accounted to be the first day of
the year of our Lord 1752. And that from and after the
first day of January 1752, the several days of each month
shall go on and be reckoned and numbered in the same
order as they now are until the second day of September
in the said year 1752 inclusive; and that the natural day
next immediately following the said second day of Sep-
tember shall be called, reckoned and accounted to be the
fourteenth day of September, omitting for that time only
the eleven intermediate days of the common calendar.
— Vide Acts arid Laws of Massachusetts Baij , fol. Boston
Ed. 1759, j;^. 351, 352.
Extracts from the records of the meeting of Feb. 13,
1737.
Voted, That there be a cartway cut from Dorchester
Canada meeting house lot, on the nearest and most con-
venient way that can be found from Dorchester Canada
road, to the center of the lots as laid out in the Township
of the said Ipswich Canada, and make such bridges and
causeys as are absolutely necessary for making the way
passable.
Voted, That 4 acres be cleared in the meeting house
lot, in the most convenient place for erecting the meeting
house, and be sowed with herds grass ; and that Col. Ber-
ry, Capt. Eveleth, Mr. Davis, Lieut. Giddinge, Mr. Mar-
tin, Mr. Lord, Thos. Brown, or any three of them, be
desired to view the meeting house lot, and agree where to
88 HISTORY or WINCHENDON.
clear in order to set the meeting house on, taking the
advice of such Proprietors as shall be there. — Projprietors'
Book.
M
Extracts from the records of the meeting of Feb. 8, 1738.
Voted, That 20 shillings be raised and assessed on each
original Right, to be paid into the treasury by the first day
of May next, to lie there for the encouragement of such
persons as shall build a Sawmill, to be paid out by the
Proprietors' order to the persons with whom they shall
hereafter agree.
Voted, That Col. Berry be empowered and directed to
agree with some proper persons to clear a road that shall
be marked out by the Proprietors of Payqueage, from the
line of the township to the town road. — Proprietors^ Book.
N
Extracts from the records of the meeting of March 14,
1742.
Voted, That Col. Tho. Berry, Messrs. William Brown
and Samuel Dodge be a Committee to lay out a second
division of lots.
Voted, That Col. Tho. Berry, Messrs. Wm. Brown and
Samuel Dodge be Committee to build a cornmill in the
most convenient place, and for the best advantage of tho
Proprietors, taking the best advice therefor.
Voted, That Col. Tho. Berry, Messrs. Wm. Brown and
Samuel Dodge be directed and empowered to treat and
agree with Joseph Priest, or his son, or some other black-
NOTES. 89
smith, to do the Proprietors' blacksmiths' work in the
Township in the best way and manner they can for the
advantage of the Proprietors.
O
Extracts from the records of the meeting of April 11,
1751.
Voted, That Messrs. Wm. Brown, Francis Goodhue
and Moses Wells, or either two of them, be a Committee
to run the line and renew the bounds between the Town-
ships of Ipswich Canada and Dorchester Canada and any
of the Townships that join on Ipswich Canada.
Extracts from the records of the meeting.
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of Ipswich Cai>-
ada at the dwelling house of Mr. Joseph Newhall, inn-
holder in Ipswich, June 20, 1751.
Voted, That the return of the Committee be accepted
and recorded, viz.
Ipswich May 25th 1751.
We the subscribers being a Committee appointed by
the Proprietors of Ipswich Canada Township to run the
line and renew the bounds between the Township of Ips-
wich Canada and Dorchester Canada, and any of the
Townships that join on Ipswich Canada. We have accor-
dingly proceeded on said business, and have run the lines
and marked the trees between Ipswich Canada and Dor-
chester Canada: and Ipswich Canada and Narraganset
7
90 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
No. 2 : * and Ipswich Canada and Narraganset No. 6 : t
and have renewed the corner bounds, by adding stones
and marking trees.
William Brown \
Francis Goodhue > Committee.
Moses Wells j
Voted, That Mr. Francis Goodhue be Treasurer and
empowered to demand the book and acct. of the former
Treasurer's administrator.
Voted, That Col. Thomas Berry, Col. Daniel Apple-
ton, and William Brown, be a Committee to assist the
Clerk in making a report to the General Court. — Propri-
etors^ Book.
Extracts from the Proprietors' Book of Records.
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of Ipswich Cana-
da January 29th 1752. Voted, That the sum of one
hundred pounds, old tenor, be paid out of the treasury to
each of the first families that shall build a dwelling house
and settle a family in the aforesaid Township : provided,
they shall build and settle by the first of November next :
provided also, that they enter their names with the Clerk,
at, or before the first of April next; and give to the
Treasurer a good and sufficient bond, with surety, to per-
form the above conditions ; and keep a family there for
the space of three years from the said first of November :
The number of said families entitled to said hundred
pounds, not to exceed ten.
* Now Westminster. t Now Templeton.
NOTES. 91
March 10, 1752. Thomas Brown sent his claim to
be received for one of the first settlers - 1
Edward Eveleth entered his claim for two of the first
settling families " 2
16. Ezekiel Jewett enters his claim for one of the
first settlers - 1
March 31, 1752. The Hon. Thomas Berry put in
his claim for two settling families - - 2
April 4. Thomas Brown desires the privilege of
being admitted for two more settling Rights - 2
18. Col. Tho. Berry claims a privilege for one more
of the first settling families - - - - 1
23. Edward Eveleth desires the privilege for one
more settling family 1
10
Proprietors' Book. See also Whitney's History of the
County of Worcester, p. 255.
R
It appears from tradition as well as from the Proprie-
tors' Book of Records, that there were several block
houses or buildings made of hewn logs, erected and occu-
pied for garrisons ; viz. one on the plain near Bullard's
mill ; one,* near the south end of the meeting house com-
mon, which Dea. Moses Hale occupied as a dwelling for
some time before removing into his own dwelling house ;
* Mary Holt, the first child born within the #mits of what is now
Winchendon, was born in this house, Nov. 15, 1753. It is said that then
there were but six women in the Township. She was married to Mr..
Jonathan Bos worth of Royalston. She was left a widow. She died Jan.
2.5, 1847, aged 93 yrs. 1 mo. 10 d.
92 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
one, near the east line of the farm of Mr. Jacob Hale,
senior, which he occupied as a dwelling house within the
memory of the writer ; one near where Dea. Desire Tol-
man afterward lived, and one where Mr. Benjamin Kid-
der afterwards lived.
Extracts from the records.
At a meeting in Ipswich July 3, 1753.
Voted, That Col. Thomas Berry and Mr. Thomas Wil-
der, or either of them, be a Committee fully authorized
and empowered to petition the next Sessions of the Peace
in the County of Worcester, in order to establish a way
from Lunenburg meeting house through Dorchester Can-
ada, Narragansett No. 2, to Ipswich Canada, and so far
as Ipswich Canada extends : and if they cannot be ac-
commodated there, to apply to the General Court for the
ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the Proprietors will be at the charge of
four days preaching in Ipswich Canada ; one day in Au-
gust next, and the other three days in October or Novem-
ber : and that Mr. Abijah Smith be desired to take care
and procure a suitable person to preach.
Voted, That Messrs. Thomas Wilder and Abijah Smith
be a committee to prepare stuff in order to build n. meet-
ing house the next spring. — Proprietors' Book.
This house, buiH about 1752 by Mr. Richard Day, is
the one which stands on high ground west of the meeting
house common, and which afterwards was owned by Rev.
NOTES. 93
Mr. Brown, now owned by Rev. Mr. Bullard. There was
a house built, probably about the same time, where Mr.
Wm. B. Whitney's house is, which was occupied as a Tav-
ern for many years, successively by Matthew Knight, Sam-
uel Griggs, Francis Bridge, Bemsly Lord, Joshua Gale,
Luther Stimson, James McElwain and Phinehas Whitney.
And a house was built near the burying ground and occu-
pied by James Mansfield. Also a house was built near
the common, south west, and was occupied by Gabriel
Pouchey.* And a house was built by Col. Thomas Berry
where Deacon Desire Tolman afterward lived.
U
Extracts from the records.
Voted, That the mill road where it is dangerous, and
impossible to pass without, be mended and repaired, and
Col. Thomas Berry have the oversight thereof
Voted, That two shillings and eight pence a day be al-
lowed for a yoke of good stout oxen or two horses.
Voted, That the meeting house frame be granted to Col.
Thomas Berry, to enable him to build a suitable and con-
venient room, to be allowed as a house for the Proprietors
to meet in, on the sabbath days, for public worship. — Pro-
prietors^ Book.
V
Extracts from the records.
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors at the house of
Richard Day, 31st Oct. 1754.
* Nathan Pouchey was the iirst male child born in the Township. He
was therefore entitled to a lot of land in the Township ; which he receiv-
ed when he arrived at the age of 21 years. He died in the revolutionary
army.
94 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Voted, That something further shall be done in fortify-
ing the Township.
Voted, That the sum of three hundred pounds, old ten-
or, be raised in order to fortify the Township : fifty pounds
of which is to fortify Mr. Darling's house, and fifty pounds
to fortify Mr. Boynton's house, and one hundred pounds
toward defraying the acct. of fortifying I'homas Jewett's
house.
Voted, That Col. Thomas Berry's house shall be forti-
fied, and that one hundred pounds, old tenor, be allowed
therefor, the said Berry to pay what farther sum shall be
needed to complete the garrison, which he agreed to.
Voted, That Col. Berry, Capt. Goodridge and Mr. Smith
be a Committee to see that the Garrisons are completed.
Voted, That Abijah Smith be Clerk. And he was
sworn to his office before Edward Hartwell.
Voted, That one dollar be assessed on each and every
original Right, to pay for preaching the winter coming.
Voted, That Mr. John Brown and Mr. Thomas Jewett
be desired to provide a suitable person to preach for them.
— Proprietors^ Book.
W
From the records of the numerous votes of the Proprie-
tors, respecting the support of preaching in the Township
antecedently to the settlement of a minister, one more ex-
tract will be here inserted.
At a meeting at Lunenburg, Sept. 22, 1761.
Voted, and chose Samuel Hunt, David Goodridge and
Richard Day, a Committee to provide preaching in the
Township of Ipswich Canada.
NOTES. 95
Voted, and raised two dollars on each original Right to
pay for preaching in said Township. Also, that the Com-
mittee be ordered to provide a preacher half the sabbaths.
— Proprietors^ Book.
X
Extracts from the records.
Nov. 30, 1758. The Proprietors
Voted, That the Proprietors will act on the affair to
build a gristmill in said Township of Ipswich Canada.
Voted, That for encouragement, two dollars be granted
on each original Right, to any person or persons, that shall
undertake and build a gristmill in said Township, and
keep said mill in repair, and grind for the inhabitants for
lawful toll, for the term of ten years : and that the money
shall be paid as soon as the mill is fit to grind. Also 100
acres of land, with the stream, be given by said Proprie-
tors for further encouragement to the person or persons,
that shall undertake and build said mill. — Proprietors'
Booh.
Extracts from the records.
Nov. 1, 1759. The Propiietors
Voted, That the Surveyors already chosen [namely,
John Moffat, Jacob Gould and Richard Day,] are hereby
ordered to build a bridge in said Township over Miller's
river on the county road to Royalshire,* out of the money
* Now Royalston.
96 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
already granted by the Propriety, according to their best
skill and judgment. — Proprietors' Book.
Extracts from the records.
The Proprietors, June 30, 1762,
Voted, That sixty days highways' woi'k shall be done in
building a bridge over the River, by Mr. Parson's mill
place. — Proprietors' Book.
AA
Extracts from the records.
Sept. 22, 1761. Voted, That the Proprietors will build
a meeting house in the Township of Ipswich Canada.
Voted, That the said meeting house shall be 35 feet
wide, and 45 feet long, and the length of the posts to be
22 or 23 feet.
Voted and chose Benjamin Goodridge, Abijah Smith,
and Philip Goodridge, a Committee to let out the meeting
house.
Voted, That the Committee be empowered to see that
the said meeting house be hewed, framed and raised, the
outside boarded, shingled, and clapboarded, window sashes,
and glass put up, door heads and doors be made, the low-
er floor be laid, and the frame be underpinned with con-
venient stones.
Voted, That the said meeting house shall be completed
as aforesaid by the last day of September, 1762.
Voted, That the meetings be held in Ipswich Canada
for the future.
NOTES. 97
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of Ipswich Can-
ada at the house of Mr. Richard Day, innholder at Ip-
swich Canada, June 30, 1762.
Voted, and chose Messrs. Benjamin Goodridge, Rich-
ard Day and Bartholomew Parsons, to be a Committee to
view and stake out a meeting house plat.
The following is the report of the Committee chosen by
the last vote.
Laid out five acres of land for a meeting house, training
field and burying yard, on the Northwest corner of the lot
No. 1 in the South division, beginning at the Northwest
corner bound, running south 48 rods, on line of said lot,
then easterly 16 1-2 rods, then running northerly a paral-
lel line with the west line 48 rods, and then to the place
where we began. Benjamin Goodridge,
Bartholomew Parsons,
Richard Day.
Voted, That the Proprietors will accept the land laid
out by the Committee, on lot No. 1 South Division for the
use of the meeting house, training field and burying yard*
— there being reference made on said lot for that purpose
by the Propriety at their meeting on the 27th of Oct. A.
D. 1737 — nothwithstanding a former vote passed by the
Proprietors at their meeting held Nov. 1, 1759, to accept
of the report of the Committee to set the meeting house
on lot No. 30, finding that place not accommodable : And
the Committee chosen to build said meeting house, to raise
the house on the plat where they judge most convenient.
- — Proprietors^ Book.
* Besides the cemetery near the middle of the town, there is another
grave yard or burying place in the south westerly part of the town.
98 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
BB
Extracts from the records.
At a legal meeting at the house of Gabriel Pouchey in
the Township, June 22, 1763.
Voted, That the Proprietors will join with the inhabit-
ants in a petition to the General Court, that Ipswich Can-
ada may be incorporated into a Town.
June 23, Voted, That a tax of one penny per acre be
laid on all the lands that are already laid out in Ipswich
Canada, for the term of three years.
Voted, That Benjamin Goodridge, esq. and Daniel Bix-
by be a Committee to draft a petition in order to send to
the Great and General Court, that Ipswich Canada may be
incorporated into a Town, and the lands taxed according
to the above vote. — Proprietors^ Booh
CC
An Act for erecting the Plantation called Ipswich Can-
ada into a Town by the name of Winchendon.
Whereas the inhabitants of the Plantation called Ipswich
Canada in the County of Worcester, labor under many
difficulties and inconveniences by means of their not being
a Town : Therefore,
Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of
Representatives, That the Plantation commonly called and
known by the name of Ipswich Canada, in the County of
Worcester, bounded as follows, viz : South twelve degrees
west, seven miles and two hundred rods on Dorchester
Canada ; west eighteen degrees south, two hundred and
seventy rods on Westminster ; north thirty-six degrees
NOTES. 99
west, four miles and two hundred and twenty rods on 1 ^ "i-
pleton line ; north seventy-eight degrees west, six hundred
rods on Templeton line ; north twelve degrees east, four
miles and two hundred and sixty rods on Royalshire ;
south seventy-eight degrees west,* six miles on Royalshire
line ; be and hereby is erected into a Town, by the name
of Winchendon : and that the inhabitants thereof be, and
hereby are invested with all the powers, privileges and
immunities, which the inhabitants of the towns within the
province do or may enjoy.
And be it further enacted, That there be laid on the
lands already laid out in the said Town of Winchendon,
a tax of one penny per acre for the term of three years.
And be it further enacted, That Edward Hartwell, esq.
be and hereby is empowered to issue his warrant, directed
to some principal inhabitant in said Town, requiring him
to warn the inhabitants of the said Town, qualified to vote
in Town affairs, to meet at such time and place as shall be
therein set forth, to choose all such officers as are or shall
be required by law to manage the affairs of the said
Town. — Acts and Laws of Massachusetts Bay, fol. Bos-
ton Ed. 1759, p. 458.
Origin of the Name.
It seems that Winchendon was so called after the name
either of a manor or of a small town in England.
An English historian states that ** In the month of De-
cember," 1706, *' Her Majesty," Queen Anne, " confer-
red the following honors, viz: Thomas Lord Wharton"
* There is, evidently, a mistake in the statement of the course of this
line ; it should be east twelve defrrees south.
100 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
was created " Viscount Wincliendon and Earl of Whar-
ton." — Etchard's History of England, vol. 4:, p. 457.
DD
It has been handed down by tradition that sometime be
fore the township was settled, a hunter by the name of
Denison got lost in the woods, which was tall and thick in
that region. He climbed a tree with a view to look out,
and descried the pond, which from this circumstance, was
named Denison's pond.
EE
Proceedings of the First Town Meeting.
At a meeting legally warned, Nov. 5, 1764, of the free
holders and other inhabitants of Winchendon to assemble
and meet at the house of Richard Day : then and there
being assembled proceeded in manner as follows, viz :
1st. Chose Richard Day, Moderator to govern said
meeting.
2d. Proceeded to the choice of town officers.
Abel Wilder, Town Clerk.
Theophilus Mansfield, ^
Benoni Boynton, > Selectmen.
Ephraim Boynton, j
Richard Day, Constable.
Nathaniel Bixby, Town Treasurer.
Daniel Goodridge, Collector of the land tax.
Silas Whitney, \ Church Wardens.
Reuben Wyman, )
William Oak, "]
Timothy Darling, ! c^ c tt- \
A J ■ y Surveyors of Highways.
Amos Sprmg, i b j
Abel Wilder, J
I
NOTES. 101
Daniel Bixby, Deer-reeve.
Aaron Hodskins, Fence-viewer.
Jonathan Foster, Sealer of weights and measures.
Silas Whitney, Surveyor of boards and shingles.
Reuben Wyman, Field driver.
Nathaniel Bixby, Sealer of leather.
Stephen Choate, Stave-culler.
Nathaniel Burnam, Fire-ward.
These officers were chosen and sworn as the law directs.
A true record, per Abel Wilder, Town Clerk.
See the Records of the Town of Winchendon, Book 1,
P2^. 2, 3.
FF
Extracts from the records.
At a meeting legally warned of the free holders and other
inhabitants of Winchendon to assemble at the public
meeting house in said town on Monday the 11th day of
March, 1765. Then and there, being assembled, pro-
ceeded in the following manner, viz.
1. Chose Theo's Mansfield Moderator for the govern-
ment of said meeting.
2. Voted, That all freeholders shall be allowed to vote
in said meeting.
3. Proceeded to the choice of town officers and chose
Abel Wilder, Town Clerk.
Theo's Mansfield, \
Nathaniel Bixby, > Selectmen.
Benoni Boynton, )
Ephraim Boynton, Constable.
Richard Day, Town Treasurer.
102 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Jonathan Foster, ) -rir j
Theo's Mansfield, ] ^^''^^ns-
Daniel Bixby, ) m*u-
o \ r^ } Tithmcrmen.
Samuel Crage, ) ^
Reuben Wynian, ) ^^
riy- iu T^ r } Ueer-reeves .
Timothy Darhng, )
John Darling, "j
Samuel Titus, ! Surveyors of Highways and Col-
Jonathan Stimson, f lectors of highway rates.
William Oaks, J
Abner Hale, ) t? •
Jonathan Foster, Fence-viewers.
Silas Whitney, ) Ho0--rePvPs
Samuel Titus, ] Hog-reeves.
Daniel Bixby, Sealer of leather.
Richard day. Sealer of weights and measures.
Joseph Stimson, Field driver.
Bartholomew Pearson, Surveyor of boards and shingles.
Daniel Goodridge, Collector of the land tax.
The officers for the present year were chosen and
sworn as the law directs.
Attest Abel Wilder, Town Clerk.
Town Records, Book l,pj). 5, 6.
GG
Record of a town meeting Feb. 15, 1773.
At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other inhabi-
tants of Winchendon qualified by law to vote in town af-
fairs, on the fifteenth day of February, A. D. 1773.
Chose Moses Hale, Moderator for the government of
said meeting.
Voted, and adjourned until one o'clock, P. M. And
then met.
NOTES. 103
Voted, and adjourned further until three o'clock. And
then met.
Voted to take into consideration the distressing and
dangerous circumstances of our public affairs.
Voted to chose a Committee consisting of five persons
to prepare a draft to lay before the town, of such measures
as may be thought proper for the town to come into, in
order to defend their rights and liberties.
Chose Messrs. Moses Hale ^
Levi Nichols Committee for
John Boynton ^ the purposes
John Homer aforementioned.
Dudley Perley j
Voted, and consented to the proceedings of the town of
Boston in their stating the rights of the Colonists, as they
are set forth in a pamphlet sent by a Committee of Cor-
respondence in Boston to the Selectmen of Winchendon.
Voted, and adjourned this meeting to Monday the first
day of March next, two of the clock in the afternoon, at the
meeting house in Winchendon.
At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other [inhab-
itants] of Winchendon, upon adjournment from the fif-
teenth day of February last, the Committee appointed the
fifteenth day of February last, by the town of Winchendon
legally assembled to consider the letter from the town of
Boston, with their statement of rights of the Colonies, and
the infringements made upon them, which was publicly
read at the said meeting, beg leave to report, That from a
full conviction of the propriety and expediency of the
measure, they do recommend to the inhabitants of this
town to pass the following Resolves, namely :
1. Resolved, that having taken into serious consider-
ation the state of the rights of the Colonies, and of the
104 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Province in particular, as men, as christians, and as sub-
jects, and a list of infringements and violation of rights,
as specified and set forth by the Committee of the town
of Boston. We are of opinion that the rights of this Prov-
ince are well and truly stated in said list, as they are well
supported and warranted by the laws of God, of nature, of
the realm of Great Britain and the charter of this Prov-
ince; that a list of infringements and violations of those
rights and privileges inherent to the inhabitants of this
Province are well stated, vindicated and supported by a
great variety of uncontestable facts, whereby it appears to
us, by a list of the violations and infractions of our liber-
ties and privileges as British subjects, transmitted to us as
aforesaid, that the time is speedily hastening when we
shall be reduced to the most abject slavery.
2. Resolved, that having consulted our charter, we find
that, by the aforesaid infringements and violations, our
rights and liberties, thereby derived, are sapped to the
very foundation.
3. Resolved, that it is of the utmost importance [that]
the Colonies in general, and the inhabitants of this Prov-
ince in particular, stand firm as one man to support and
maintain all their just rights and privileges.
4. Resolved, that this town will, at all times, heartily
join with our brethren of this Province, and with every
true friend to liberty in all lawful measures which may be
proper, salutary and effectual for the redress of our griev-
ances and the establishment of our charter rights, privi-
leges and liberties.
5. Resolved, that this town choose a Committee to cor-
respond with the Boston Committee and the Committees of
other towns, to receive and communicate to the town all
NOTES. 105
salutary measures that shall be proposed or offered by any
other towns for removing the common grievances of this
Province, and to communicate the sentiments of this
town to the correspondent Committee of the other towns
of this Province.
6. Resolved, that the united thanks of this town and of
every true son of liberty and friend to the constitution of
the Province is due to the town of Boston for their early
and indefatigable zeal in endeavoring to preserve the con-
stitutional rights and liberties of this Province.
7. Resolved, that the town of Boston be served with
an attested copy of our proceedings.
Moses Hale, "j
Levi Nichols, Committee to
John Boynton, J> consider of
John Homer, I Grievances.
Dudley Perley. J
Winchendon, February 22, 1773.
The above Resolves being publicly read, it was put
to vote.
Accepted by unanimous vote.
Voted, and chose Messrs. Moses Hale, Levi Nichols,
John Boynton, John Homer, and Dudley Perley, a Com-
mittee of Correspondence.
Voted, That the Town Clerk be directed to record the
foregoing Resolves in the town book of records, and to
return an attested copy of the same to the Committee of
Correspondence above chosen.
Moses Hale, Moderator.
A true copy, Attest,
Abel Wilder, Town Clerk.
Town Records, B. l,pp. 138—142.
8
106 HISTORY OF ^VINCHENDON.
HH
At a meeting of the town of Winchendon, August 4,
1774, Chose Mr. EH Smith, Moderator for the govern-
ment of said meeting. Chose Mr. Amos Merriam to join
the Committee of Correspondence in the town in the room
of John Homer, deceased.
Chose Mr. Moses Hale to meet the Committees that
may be appointed by the several towns in this county at
the widow Mary Steams', at Worcester on the 9th day of
August instant at 10 of the clock in the morning. Ad-
journed.
August 25, 1774. Then met according to adjourn-
ment.
Voted, That Dea. Moses Hale go to Worcester upon
the adjourment of the County Convention.
Voted, and accepted of the following Resolves, namely :
1. Resolved that we acknowledge ourselves true and
liege subjects to His Majesty, King George 3d, and that
we will, to the utmost of our power, defend his crown and
dignity.
2. Resolved, that the charter of this Province is the
basis of allegiance to His Majesty, the sacred obligation he
is under to protect us his American subjects, and that all
Acts of the British Parliament which tend to vacate our
charter w'ithout our consent, have a tendency to destroy
our allegiance to the king, and also the obligation he is
under to protect us, his most loyal subjects, which, conse-
quently reduce us to a state of nature.
3. Resolved, that those unconstitutional Acts lately
passed in the British Parliament, wherein they claim a
right to tax the Americans without their consent, and to
NOTES. 107
alter our free Constitutions at their pleasure, has a direct
tendency to break off the affections of His Majesty's true
and loyal subjects in America, from the king, and there-
fore most certainly weaken the British nation, and will,
if persisted in, unavoidably endanger, if not actually be
a means of the destruction of the king, at the whole Brit-
ish realm.
4. Resolved, that we will, to the utmost of our power,
oppose all such unconstitutional acts, which in our opinion
are directly against the dignity of the king and the con-
stitution of this Province, and are ready to risk our lives
and fortunes in defence of our rightful sovereign, and to
maintain our free constitution, in order to save ourselves
and posterity from ruin and slavery, which seem, like a
torrent, rushing in upon us.
5. Resolved, that we will do all that lies in our power
to maintain peace and good order amongst us accor-
ding to the laws of this Province; and that we will
break off all dealings, as far as possible, with all officers
who hold their commissions under unconstitutional laws.
6. Resolved, that those men who are appointed Coun-
sellors by a mandamus from England, directly contrary to
the charter of this Province, and have taken the oaths
required to serve in that office, are destitute of any regard
for the good of their country, and ought to be treated as
open enemies to the once free constitution of this Prov-
ince.
Voted and adjourned this present meeting to the third
Thursday of September next at two of the o'clock, P. M.
— Town Records, B. \,pp, 184—187.
108 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
II
Sept. 15, 1774, Then met according to adjournment.
Voted to send a person to the Provincial Congress to
meet at Concord the second Tuesday of October next.
Chose Mr. Moses Hale to go to Concord.
Voted, That every person from the age of 16 to 60
years old appear at the meeting house in Winchendon on
Tuesday the 20th day of this instant September, at one of
the clock in the afternoon.
Voted, That the town will indemnify Mr, Jer. Stuart,
Constable, in his not returning a list of the persons quali-
fied to serve as Jurors agreeable to a late Act of Parlia-
ment ; and he is hereby directed never to make such re-
turns.
A true record, per Abel Wilder, Town Clerk.
Town Records, B. l,p. 187.
JJ
Extracts from the records of a town-meeting held Jan.
10, 1775,
Voted, That the province taxes granted and levied upon
the town of Winchendon, for the years 1772, 1773, and
1774, committed and soon to be committed to Thom-
as Sawyer, and Jeremiah Stuart, Constables of Winchen-
don, be paid to Henry Gardner, Esq, of Stow, as soon as
conveniently may be : and the Constables are hereby or-
dered to pay the above said money as above voted ; and
the town will hereby indemnify the above said Thomas
Sawyer and Jeremiah Stuart in so doing, upon their pro^
NOTES. 109
ducing receipts from the above mentioned Henry Gard-
ner, Esq.
A Committee
to see that the
Association
} of the
Continental
Congress be put
Voted, and chose Levi Nichols
Thomas Sawyer
Moses Hale
Abel Wilder
John Boynton
Eli Smith and
David Poor. j ^^ execution.
Voted, That the town will assist the above Committee
in carrying the above mentioned Association into execu-
tion, provided they proceed agreeably to the directions of
the Provincial Congress.
Levi Nichols, Moderator.
A true Copy, per Abel Wilder, Town Clerk.
Town Records, B. I, pp. 193, 194.
KK
At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other inhabi-
tants of Winchendon, qualified by law to vote in the
choice of a Representative, on the 4th day of July, 1776.
Chose Thos. Sawyer Moderator, for the government of
said meeting.
Vv^hereas this town has been called upon by the Hon-
orable House of Representatives of this Colony to signify
their minds in regard of American independency ; being
duly sensible of the cruel and oppressive measures which
are pursued by the King and Parliament of Great Britain
in order to enslave the Colonies, and consequently the
difficulty that will attend our being ever again united with
Great Britian, therefore.
Unanimously Resolved, That if the Honorable Conti-
110 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
nental Congress should think best for the safety of these
Colonies to declare them independent of the King-dom of
Great Britain, that we will with our lives and fortunes
support them in the measure. — Town Records, B.\,p 206.
LL
It was common, in those days, for towns to instruct
their representatives at the General Court, upon the sub-
ject of grievances under which they were suffering, and
which they wished to have redressed. This direct inter-
ference of the people with the State legislation, by means
of instructions to their representatives, having been long
discontinued, a recital of it now is rather a subject of cu-
riosity.
At a meeting for choosing a Representative, May 27,
1777, the town chose a Committee of seven persons to
draft instructions for the representative. The Committee
were Ebenezer Sherwin, Thornton Barrett, Moses Hale,
Daniel Goodridge, Richard Pearson, Abel Wilder, and
Benjamin Brown.
The Report of the above Committee being read, voted
and accepted of the said report, which is as follows, name-
To Mr. Robert Bradish,
Sir, You being legally appointed to
represent the town of Winchendon in the Great and Gen-
eral Court the ensuing year, the town think proper to give
you the following instructions, viz. That you use your
influence to the utmost, to obtain a repeal of an A ct^ pass-
ed by the General Court in the close of their, session in
the year 1776, entitled an Act for a more equal represen-
, NOTES. .111
tation. And upon the repeal of said Act, to issue writs
for the choice of a new House and then dissolve. And in
case the said Act should not be repealed, not to proceed
to any business, but return home. Town Records, B. 1,
page 249.
MM
Continental Money.
It may be interesting at this time, to give a slight sketch
of the rate of the depreciation of the paper Continental
currency. The bills began to depreciate in 1777. On
the first of January 1777, it was at par. First of Jan.
1778, $1.00 specie was worth $4.50 Continental; first of
Jan. 1779, $1.00 specie was worth $8.38 Continental;
first of Jan. 1780, $1.00 specie was worth $32..50 Conti-
nental. In March, 1780, the town "voted and granted
^'5200, for repairing roads," and ''voted that a man have
c£9. per day for labor on the roads." In July "^'5000 was
granted for the purpose of hiring men for the war, and to
defray other town charges ;" also granted $85 per day for
34 days service of the Delegates at the Convention for
forming the State Constitution, making .£867." In Nov.
following "c£13,598" more was "granted to defray town
charges." Jan. 1, 1781, the town "voted and granted
c£10,000 to procure hcef that is now called for, and to help
procure continental soldiers." March, "voted and gran-
ted £8000 for making and mending roads," and voted
that a man be allowed £15 per day for work on the roads."
April 23, "voted that what money is due" to a certain in-
dividual "be paid ninety for 07ie." March 14, 1782, the
town voted, "That the Constable and Collectors be direc-
112 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
ted to receive no more paper money for town rates."
Town Records B. 2.
NN
The building Committee chosen by the town were Abel
Wilder, Esq. Capt. Thomas Graton, and Mr. Benjamin
Hall.
OO
As the locating of this meeting house was, at the time,
attended with much uneasiness, altercation and trouble,
a more extended view of the transactions of the town may
appear desirable, therefore such will be here transcribed
from the records.
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants
of the town of Winchendon, Sept. 10, 1790,
Voted, and chose Dea. Moses Hale Moderator.
Voted, to build a new Meeting House in this town.
Voted, to set the new meeting house on the meeting
house common.
Voted, That said house be 60 feet in length, 50 feet in
width, 27 feet posts, and a porch at each end of the house
10 feet on the house, 14 feet deep.
Voted, 54 pews on the lower floor, and 24 in the gal-
leries, and 3 seats on each side below, and 3 in the gal-
leries.
Voted, That there be 20 windows, 40 squares in each
window, below, and 21, 35 squares in each, in the galle-
ries ; the pulpit and gable end windows excepted.
Voted, That the pews be sold at public vendue to the
inhabitants, to procure materials and workmen for build-
NOTES. 113
ing the house : That the purchasers of pews give security
for the same to the acceptance of the Committee.
Voted, That the materials be divided into small lots,and let
out to those persons who will procure the same the cheapest.
Voted, That the frame be raised in the forepart of the
season in the year 1792.
Voted, That the materials for building be delivered at
such time and place, as the Committee for building the
meeting house shall direct.
Voted, To choose a Committee to see to the building
of said house.
Voted, The Committee to consist of three persons.
Voted, and chose Abel Wilder esq. Mr. Thomas Gra-
ton and Benjamin Hall esq. for the above Committee.
Nov. 1, Voted to reserve one pew in said house for a
ministerial pew.
Voted, Pew west of the pulpit, next to it, for the minis-
terial pew.
Voted, to choose a Committee of three persons to pitch
upon a spot to set the new meeting house upon.
Voted and chose Mr. James Steel, Dea. Moses Hale,
and Doct. Ziba Hall for the above Committee.
Voted, to set the south sill of the new meeting house 30
feet north of the north sill of the old meeting house.
Voted, to accept of the plan of said house that the Com-
mittee has drafted and laid before the town.
Voted and accepted of the conditions of the sale of the
pews the Committee has proposed.
Nov. 29, Voted and accepted the conditions of sale the
Committee has draughted for the materials.
Voted, to appoint a person as Vendue-master to vendue
the materials.
114 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Voted and appointed Dea. Moses Hale for the above
Vendue-master.
Voted, That the posts of said meeting house be 28 feet
in length ; and that there be 40 squares of glass in each
gallery window.
Dec. 20, Voted to have banisters in the pews.
Voted, That the Committee shall procure the glass.
Winchendon Nov. 1, 1790. At a public vendue held
for the sale of the pews in the meeting house voted to be
built at a meeting held on the 10th day of Sept. 1790, at
the meeting house in Winchendon aforesaid, the pews
were sold as follows, viz. No. 1 struck off to Capt. Dan-
iel Hubbard for $40. No. 2 to Abner Curtice for $71.
No. 3 to xMoses Hale for $40. No. 31 to William Whit-
ney for $62. No. 32 to Joseph Sweetser for $51. No.
33 to Dea. Moses Hale for $47. No. 44 to Doct. Israel
Whiton for $49. No. 45 to Lieut. Joseph Boynton for
$50. No. 50 to Abel Wilder for $50. No. 47 to Desire
Tolman for $40, &c. Gallery pews. No. 1 struck off to
Dea. Moses Hale for $24. No. 2 to Abel Wilder jun. for
$17, (S^c. «S^c.
Abel Wilder, \
Thomas Graton, > Committee.
Benjamin Hall, )
Voted to establish and confirm the pews, mentioned in
the foregoing report, to the purchasers whose names are
thereunto annexed and to their heirs and assigns forever.
Nov. 7, 1791, Voted to agree with some person or per-
sons to make provision for the raisers to raise the meeting
house.
Voted, and granted £20 to make provision for the rais-
ing of the new meeting house. Toion Records, B. 3 pp.
75—80.
NOTES. 115
Nov. 21, Voted to reconsider a vote passerd in a former
meeting in Nov. 1, 1790, which was to set the south sill of
the new meeting house 30 feet north of the north sill of
the old meeting house. Yeas 47, Nays 25.
Voted, to choose a Committee of seven persons to pitch
upon a spot to set the meeting house on, and report at the
adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, and chose Abel Wilder Esq. Dea. Samuel Pren-
tice, Doct. Ziba Hall, Lieut. John Burr, Mr. Thomas
Graton, Mr. James Steel and Samuel Crosby Esq. for the
above Committee.
Dea. Hale resigned being Moderator, and Dea. Samuel
Prentice was chosen Moderator in his room.
Nov. 24, Voted, and accepted of the Report of the Com-
mittee, which is as follows, viz.
Winchendon Nov. 24, 1791.
The Committee appointed on the 21 of this instant to
view and report the most convenient spot to build a meet-
ing house upon, have attended that service, and a majori-
ty of that Committee agree that the meeting house be set
120 feet south of Luther Stimson's house, and C9 feet
east of the stone wall by Mr. Brown's garden.
By order of the Committee, Abel Wilder, Chairman.
Dec. 26, voted to chose a Committee of six persons to
review and pitch upon a spot to set the new meeting house
and report at the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, and chose Abel Wilder Esq. Dea. Moses Hale,
Samuel Crosby Esq., Mr. William Whitney, Benjamin Hall
Esq., and Dea. Samuel Prentice, for the above Committee.
Town Records, B. 3, pp. 81, 82.
May 3, 1792. The town met according to adjourn-
ment, and voted to adjourn the meeting for half a hour^
116 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
for the, purpose of viewing the northerly part of the com-
mon, in order to see if the town can agree, unanimously,
upon a spot of ground to set the new meeting house upon.
After taking a view, the town met again : and after some
debate, it was tried by a vote to see if the town will re-
consider the vote passed at a late meeting respecting plac-
ing the meeting house in the northerly part of the common.
Passed in the negative.
Then voted, that the Selectmen purchase a barrel of
West India rum and a quantity of sugar sufficient to make
it into toddy, and that it be expended partly upon the men
that assist the day preceding the day set for raising the
meeting house, in laying the timber in order for raising.
And that the Selectmen see that it is properly dealt out ! !
Then voted to allow Ensign David Rice a sum of money
over and above what he was heretofore agreed with to pro-
vide for those persons who raise the meeting house ; the
sum to be determined by the rise of West India articles,
since said Rice agreed to make provision for the raising.
May 7. Met according to adjournment, and, after some
debate it was put to vote, to see if the town will agree to
set the meeting house three rods southerly from the place
lately agreed upon to build said house; and the town vo-
ted to reconsider their vote for placing said house 120 feet
from the north side of the common ; and to set the north
said house 170 feet from the north line of the common;
and that the east end of said house should stand nearly on
a ridge that was made by the east side of the field.
May 31. The town met and voted to choose a Commit-
tee of three persons to use their endeavors to settle matters
of difficulty respecting the meeting house. Messrs. Thom-
as Graton, Amos Hey wood and James Steel were chosen
NOTES. 117
for said purpose. The Committee reported, verbally, that
proposals were made for accommodation.
June 15. Met, and after some debate, voted, that the
Committee for building the meeting house, purchase such
articles as are necessary to finish said house in the best
way and manner they can, and go on with the work as
soon as may be with convenience.
Voted, that Ensign David Rice be allowed for enter-
taining 11 more on the day the meeting house was raised
over and above the 100 men he agreed to provide for, and
that he be allowed in the same proportion for the 11 men
as for the 100 : and also that he be allowed 16 s. 8 d. for
what he found for those persons who belonged out of town,
and assisted the second day in raising the roof of the
meeting house.
Sept. 5. The meeting house meeting, (so called) was
opened according to adjournment. The town granted the
sum of c£150, in addition to the money raised by the sale
of pew ground, to defray the charge of building the meet-
ing house in said town.
Dec. 3. The town met, and made choice of Lieut.
John Burr a Committee man in the room of the Hon. Abel
Wilder, deceased.
Dec. 17. Voted, that the first day of Jan. 1793, be the
day to dedicate the new meeting house.
Then voted, that the three Deacons, Hale, Prentice, and
Moor, be a Committee to inform the Rev. Joseph Brown
of the [vote of the] town respecting dismissing the old
meeting house and dedicating the new one.
Dec. 31. The town met, according to adjournment,
on the spot of ground where the old meeting house stood,
and adjourned the meeting into Mr. McElwain's east room,
118 HISTORY OF AVINCHENDON.
and then met there and adjourned for half an hour, for the
purpose of viewing the new meeting house ; then met
again, and voted to accept of the new meeting house.
A true Record, Attest, Samuel Crosby, Town Clerk.
Then votes were passed transferring divers pews to dif-
ferent persons, the transfers made at the request of the
parties.
Then voted, that two pews in the gallery that were
struck ofTtoDea. Moses Hale, viz. No. 16 and No. 8, be
transferred to Lieut. John Burr, and that thereupon all
matters of difficulty heretofore subsisting between the
town and said Hale and any individuals in the town con-
cerning the new meeting house, shall subside, upon
condition that the persons, who have purchased pews in
said house, pay for the same in a reasonable time.
Samuel Prentice, Moderator.
A true Record Samuel Crosby, Town Clerk.
Town Records, B. 3, ^jp. 83—85.
The town at a special meetmg held, Sept. 5, 1792, vo-
ted to build a wall and wharf round the new meeting house
by a tax. Then the town granted the sum of .£100 to de-
fray the charge thereof [The wall and wharf were com-
pleted in October 179*2.]
At a special meeting Oct. 29, 1792, the town voted to
sell the old meeting house in lots, at public vendue.
Dec. 17, the old meeting house was sold. Town Rec-
ords,B. 3,^9^.104, 105.
Nov. 21, 1794. The town met, then voted and dis-
solved the meeting house meeting.
Samuel Prentice, Moderator.
A true Record, Attest, Moses Hale, Town Clerk.
Town Records, B. 3,^. 120.
NOTES. 119
At another meeting of the town, Nov. 21, 1T94, Voted,
and accepted of the meeting house Committee account,
\vhich is as follows.
Cost of the meeting house £^S9 10s. 9d.
Committee service ==£'57 14s. 6d. £94c7 5s. 3d.
Reed, of pew money, £7G6 4s. Od. Old
meeting house, o£'28 '2s. Id. Refuse stuff,
£4 10s. 7d. Tax, c^loO Os. Od. .£948 16s. 8d.
The above account is the Report of the Committee ap-
pointed to build the meeting house.
Samuel Prentice, Moderator.
Thos. Graton, ) Committee for
Benj, Hall, ) building said house.
A true record, Moses Hale, Town Clerk.
Town Records, B. 3, p. 133.
PP
In the warrant for town meeting of 11th Sept. 1815,
was an article, To see if the town will make the ground
where the body seats are in the meeting house, on any
other ground into pews for the purpose of building a tower
and cupola, or act on the matter as they think proper.
Accordingly the town assembled and under this article
Voted, That the ground in the meeting house mention-
ed [in the article] be cut for the purpose mentioned under
the same article.
Meeting adjourned to 23d. Then voted. That the tow-
er and cupola or steeple be built on condition it can be
done free from any expense to the toAvn, other than the
ground for 6 pews on the lower floor and 10 pews in the
gallery and the old porch and seats. Town Records, B. 3,
pp. 388, 389, 392.
120 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
In the mean time there was a subscription by sundry
individuals, inhabitants of the town, for a Bell.
The belfry or steeple was completed, and, at a meeting
of the inhabitants of the town, Nov. 4, 1816, was ac-
cepted.
At the same meeting a Presentment of the Church Bell
to the town of Winchendon, (in behalf of the Proprietors,)
by a Committee chosen by the subscribers, was made on
the following conditions — That the town shall keep it in
good and sufficient repair, cause it to be rung and tolled at
the customary times, and a suitable and decent manner —
and cause, by their vote, this representation of the said
subscribers by their Committee, together with the names
of the subscribers who have purchased by their liberality
the said Church Bell, with the sum that each individual
has given therefor, to be entered and enrolled on the rec-
ords of the town.
Then the town voted, and accepted of the Bell as of-
fered by the Proprietors" Committee.
Then voted, and tendered their thanks to the Proprie-
tors of the Bell for their great generosity and benevo-
lence. Town Records, B. 3, pp. 413 — 415.
aa
Extracts from the Records.
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of Ipswich Cana-
da assembled and met at the house of Mr. Richard Day,
innholder at Ipswich Canada June 30, 1762.
Voted, That the Proprietors will settle a minister pro-
vided the inhabitants can find a man that will settle with
them.
NOTES, J0I
Voted, That the Proprietors will give to Mr. Daniel
Stimpson the minister's Right [of Land] granted by the
Court and .£60 of money as a settlement, provided he will
settle and perform the office of a gospel minister in the
township : and also to give him =£60 salary, so long as he
shall carry on the work of the ministry, in said township.
At a meeting Nov. 17, 1762, It was pat to vote to see if
the Proprietors would make any alteration in their former
[vote] respecting Mr. Daniel Stimpson's salary.
Voted, That instead of giving the said Daniel Stimpson
sixty pounds salary so long as he shall carry on the minis-.
try— to give him sixty pounds yearly so long as he shalj
continue our minister in said township. Proprietors' Book,
At a legal meeting of the Proprietors of Ipswich Cana-
da, so called, that assembled and met at the house of Mr.
Richard Day, innholder in said township, on Nov. 17, 1762,
Voted, That Mr. Daniel Stimpson be ordained the loth
day of December next : and that the church in Weston,
the church in Harvard, the church in Lunenburg, and the
church in Dorchester Canada, be sent to, to assist in his
ordination.
Voted, That Bartholeraew Parsons, Richard and Sam-
uel Titus, be a Committee to send letters missive to the
above named churches to assist in the ordination of Mr.
Daniel Stimpson, in the name of the Proprietors.
Voted, to allow Richard Day £4: in order to enable him
to entertain the Council, and Mr. Stimpson's relations, at
his ordination. Proprietors' Book.
RR
There were marjy during Mr. Stimpson's and Mr.
Brown's ministry, ^ho joined the church in this wav
9 ^*
122 HISTORY Ot WINCHENDON.
which was sometimes called the Half way covenant*
The origin of the practice is found at large in Mather's
Magnalia, and in Hubbard's General History of New
England.
Mr. Hubbard says, The affairs of the church in New
England were hitherto ordered according to the platform
of discipline set forth in 1648, but in the beginning of this
lustre [i. e. the 5 years from 1656 to 1661] some difficul-
ties began to arise about enlarging the subject of baptism,
which unto this time had been administered unto those chil-
dren only, whose immediate parents were admitted into full
communion in the churches where they lived. But now
the country came to be increased, and sundry families
were found that had many children born in them, whose
immediate parents had never attempted to join to any of
the churches, to which they belonged, and yet were very
much dissatisfied that they could not obtain baptism for
their children, although themselves made no way to be
admitted to the Lord's supper. The case was generally
apprehended to be difficultly circumstanced, as things had
hitherto been carried on amongst those churches, and did
occasion many debates between the ministers of the coun-
try, many of which were willing to have baptism enlarged
to those in that capacity, but knew not well how to bring
the matter about, with the peace of their churches, where
many of their people were very scrupulous about any
innovation.
duestions of this nature were first started in the colony
of Connecticut ; the magistrates of which did, about 1656,
* This way or practice was discontinued and done away in this church
in l&Oi — about the time Mr. Pilsbury was settled.
NOTES. 123
send down several of them about this subject to the magis-
trates of the Massachusetts,and they mutually called toaeth-
er sundry of the ablest ministers of each colony— and "they
met and held their disputation at Boston in New England,
June 4, 1757. One question debated was this, Whether
the child, admitted by his father's covenant, be also a
deputy for his seed, without or before personal covenant-
ing; or without or before like personal qualifications in
kind, as his father was to enjoy when he became a dep-
uty? Reply. It is the- duty of infants who confederate
m their parents, when grown up to years of discretion
though not yet fit for the Lord's supper, to own the cov-
enant they made with their parents, by entering thereinto
in their own persons : and it is the duty of the church to
call upon them for the performance thereof; and if beinor
called upon they shall refuse the performance of this ^reu
duty, or otherwise continue scandalous, they are liable to
be censured for the same by the church. And in case
they understand the grounds of religion, are not scanda-
lous, and solemnly own the covenant in their own persons
wherein they give up themselves and their children unto
the Lord, and desire baptism for them, we (with due rev-
erence to any godly, learned, that may dissent,) see not
sufficient cause to deny baptism unto their children
This proposition was consented unto by a synod, called to
meet at Boston, not long after, viz. 1662.—.^,, Hubbard's
General Hist, of N. E. Chap. 64. See also Mather's
Magnalia.
Mr. Hubbard further says, In the beginning of this
lustre [i. e. from 1661 to 1666] some questions were
raised amongst the churches and people of the Massachu-
setts; one was about the extent of baptism, viz. Whether
1'24 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
the children of some parents might not be admitted to
baptism, though they themselves were never admitted to
full communion with the church, at the Lord's table ;
about which case, the country was strangely divided.
An answer of the ministers and other messengers of the
churches assembled in Synod at Boston in the year 1GG3.
From their answer to the 1st question propounded to
them by order o{ the general court, which question is.
Who are the subjects of baptism ? several propositions are
here quoted, viz. Answer. The answer may be given
in the following propositions. I. They that, according
to scripture, are members of the visible church, are the
subjects of baptism. "2. The members of the visible
church, according to scripture, are confederate visible
believers in particular churches, and their infant seed, i.
c. children in minority, whose next parents are one or
both in covenant. 3. The infant seed of confederate vis-
ible believers are members of the same church with their
parents ; and, when grown up, are personally undoir the
watch, discipline and government of the church. 4.
Those adult persons are not therefore to be admitted to
full communion, merely because they are and continue
members, without such further qualifications as the word
of God requireth thereunto. 5. Such church members,
who are admitted in minority, understanding the doctrine
of faith, and publicly professing their assent thereunto,
not scandalous iiT life, and solemnly owning the covenant
before the church, wherein they give up themselves and
their children to the Lord, and subject themselves to the
government of Christ in the church, their children are to
be baptized. — Hubbard's General Hist, of N. E. Ch, 67. ,
Mather's Maornalia. 1
NOTES. 125
ss
Mr. Brown afterward supplied the pulpit at Springfield,
Vermont.
TT
Mr. Brown never delivered up the church records to
his successor, nor to the church, owing to which cir-
cumstance, there is a great chasm in the ecclesiastical
history of this town.
UU
Mr. Elam Clark preached here as a candidate under
peculiar circumstances.
In the latter part of the year 1819, the church and
town being completely united in him, unanimously gave
him a call, with an offer of -$650 annual salary, and $200
settlement. Jan. 20, 1820, he gave an answer in the
negative. Mar. G, 1820, the church and town renewed
their call with the same offer in all respects as before.
March 13, 1820, Mr. Clark gave his answer to the second
call in the negative.
After Mr. Elam Clark left Winchenden, it was said he
preached in several places. In Tiverton, R. I. he preached
as a candidate, with nearly the same remarkable circum-
stances, of two calls and refusals, as at Winchendon.
lie was afterwards settled as pastor of a congregational
church in Providence, R. I. — continued there about one
year, and was dismissed at his own request. He previ-
ously married the daughter of a wealthy farmer from Suf-
field, Ct. and retired to that place for a time after leaving
126 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Providence. He afterward kept school, and finally died
of a cancer about the year 1834.
VV
Mr. E. L. Clark was afterwards settled at Berlin, and
again, more recently, at Richnnond, Mass.
WW
Mr. Morton was afterward settled in Bristol, N. H.
XX
The following notice was published in the Boston Re-
corder of Dec. 10, 1846.
Ordination. Ordained — on Thursday, Nov. 19, Mr.
Malachi Bullard, Jr. Pastor of the First Congregational
Church in Winchendon. Invocation and reading of the
Scriptures by Rev. A. P. Marvin of Winchendon North ;
sermon by Rev. L Sabin of Templeton ; ordaining prayer
by Rev. J. M. Whiton of Antrim, N. H. ; charge to the
pastor by Rev. S. S. Smith of Westminster ; right hand of
fellowship by A. C. Perkins of Phillipston ; address to the
people by W. R. Stone of Gardner ; concluding prayer
by Rev. Mr. Burnham of Rindge, N. H.
YY
The churches sent to, and that were represented in this
Council, were the First Congregational church in Royal-
ston, the Congregational church in Rindge, N. H. the
Congregational church in Templeton, and the First Cou-
NOTES. 127
gregational church in Winchendon : Rev. Mr. Rice of
Winchendon was also invited. At the time of the organ-
ization of the church, the public services and exercises
were held and transacted in the Methodist Chapel, and
were as follows. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Rice ; the confes-
sion of Faith and the Covenant were read by Rev. Mr.
Sabin, the Scribe, and was assented to by the church ;
recognition and consecrating prayer by Rev. Mr. Perkins ;
fellowship of the churches by Rev. Mr. Burnham; con-
cluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Sabin.
ZZ
The following notice was published in the Boston Re-
corder of Jan. 25, 1844.
Dedication. The new meeting house recently erected
by the North Winchendon Congregational Society, was
solemnly dedicated to the worship of God, the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost, on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Intro-
ductory prayer and reading of the scriptures by Rev. Mr.
Chipman of Athol ; sermon by Rev. Mr. Marvin of North
Winchendon ; dedicatory prayer by Rev. Mr. Peckham of
South Royalston.
Ordination. On the same day, Mr. Abijah P. Marvin
was ordained Pastor of the North Winchendon Congrega-
tional Church and Society. The services were as fol-
lows : — introductory prayer and reading of the Scriptures
by Rev. Mr. Rice of Winchendon ; sermon by Rev. E.
R. Tyler, of New Haven, Conn. ; ordaining prayer by
Rev. Mr. Jennison of Ashburnham ; charge to the pastor
by Rev. Mr. Burnham of Rindge, N. H. ; right hand of
fellowship by Rev. Mr. Sabin of Templeton ; address to
the church and people by Rev. Mr. Chipman of Athol ;
l28 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
feonclading prayer by Rev. Mr. Stone of Gardner ; bene-
diction by the Pastor.
The day was beautitul for a wintry day — the house
crowded to overflowing, the services solemn and appro-
priate, the music excellent, and the appearance of the
audience furnished ample evidence that a good impression
was produced. This new church, having but just been
organized, with their new meeting house located in a
flourishing village, and their young pastor in the fresh-
ness of ministerial life, commences its career by the
brightest prospects of usefulness and success.
AAA
Some account of casualties and sudden deaths which
have occurred in Winchendon.
About A. D. 1752, as appears from tradition, a man by
the name of Priest, was found frozen to death on or near
the Prentiss Hill, in a snow storm. It was supposed that
returning to his home, which was on land now known by
the name of the Thomas Place, with a hand-sled laden
with hay, he fell into the water and wet his clothes. He
was buried south of the present burying ground.
1771, April. William Oaks, aged 17 years, and Rob-
ert Moff'att, aged 16 years, were drowned in Miller's riv-
er, near where Mr. Phinehas Ball now lives. They went
in a boat — the boat was upset. They managed to get to
a large low stub. Mrs. Oaks, Robert's mother, saw them,
but was unable to render them any assistance. No neigh-
bors were near. Nothing could be done to rescue them
from their perilous situation. They clung to the stub for
a while ; but chilled and exhausted, they were obliged to
relinquish their hold, and they sunk.
NOTES. 129
1774, May 3. Deacon Richard Day was instantly kill-
ed by the falling of a tree.
1778. A stranger, traveller, was choked to death by
eating a piece of meat at Nichols' tavern, which stood
where Capt. Oliver Adams now lives.
1781, July. A child of Samuel Stimson, was drowned
in a well nearly opposite the house where Capt. Oliver
Adams now lives.
1784, May 19. John Chamberlin was killed by the fall
of a tree, which he and his son had been cutting.
1786, May 10. Uriah Crooks was mortally wounded
by the falling of a stub, at a chopping hee, on the east side
of Dennison's pond. He survived but a few hours.
Mrs. Jonathan Smith had a child die in her arms, while
riding out in a sleigh ; it was supposed to be smothered.
William Brown was found dead in a well, on the place
now owned by William Brown, Esq.
1791, May. Jonathan Stimson was killed when plow-
ing, by the fall of a tree, blown down by the wind.
1797, March 12. A boy by the name of Jonathan
Moor hung himself on a sleigh tongue, in a barn of Lieut.
B. Hubbard.
1800, Sept. 8. Stephen Bixby was killed with an axe,
by Daniel Robbins, who was insane, in or near a log house
on land lately owned by Capt. Joseph Robbins.
1804, Nov. Israel Whitcomb, of this town, was killed
in Fitzwilliam by the kick of a horse.
1809. Bartholomew Stearns jun. was found dead in
the road, above and near the house of Capt. John Ray-
mond. He had been reaping on the hill upon the farm,
went to the well, drank water, and died on his return.
1811. Joseph Story of Fitchburg, was killed near Mr.
130 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
Bartholomew Stearns senior's, by pitching out of a chaise,
and the chaise running over him.
1814, March 26. Aaron Winch died suddenly in his
bed.
Nov. Luke Knight was killed in a wagon by the kick
of a horse, on the road near where Mr. H. Hastings now
lives.
1816, Oct. 14. Thomas Wyman jun. was killed by
being thrown from his horse, as was supposed, in the road
south of where Mr. Daniel Day now lives. Some suppos-
ed that his foot for a while hung in the stirrup, and that he
was dragged by the horse.
Dec. 16. Thomas Wyman sen. was killed in Worcester
by a stage running over him in the dark. He was a deaf
man.
1818, June 6. Silas Brown, a boy aged 11 years, was
run over by a cart of gravel, which was the cause of his
death.
July. Cyrus Partridge was drowned in Ashuelov, river
at Hinsdale, N. H. was brought, the same day, to his fath-
er's house in this town.
Nov. Enoch Stuart went to bed well, but died the
same night.
1819, July 1. David Goodridge 2d. died suddenly in bed.
1823. Peter Parmenter was found dead in his bed.
1824, Sept. 17. Abzina Cummings died suddenly.
Dec. 30. A boy by the name of Elisha Fry, was killed
by a cart body falling on him at Mr. Elias Whitney's.
The widow Elizabeth Baldwin, was found burnt to
death on a sabbath day. The rest of the family were
gone to meeting. Nearly all her flesh was consumed when
they returned.
NOTES. 131
1825. Hervey Holden was drowned in New Boston
pond. He was returning from meeting on a sabbath upon
the ice, which broke. He fell in, and sunk.
1828, A child of Mr. Lathrop came to its death by
falling into a pot of hot fat.
1829, Jan. 27. Paul Stuart fell down dead in or near
his barn yard.
1830, Maria, daughter of Mr. Lewis Robbins, fell on
to a waterwheel of a mill while it was going, and was in-
stantly killed.
1831, Dec. 16. Capt. Samuel Baldwin was found dead
in his bed in the morning.
1832, June 15. Andrew Benjamin was, by his daugh-
ter, found dead in the road near -where Capt. O. Adams,
now lives.
John R. Golding, fell down dead in his house.
An infant child of Lydia Golding died suddenly.
Nov. 22. Isaac Grout jun. was found dead in Mr. Luke
Rice's mowing land, the morning after he was missing,
1833, Jan. 14. Samuel Brown jun. was killed by the
fall of a tree.
Oct. 17. Samuel Hartwell was found dead near a
bridge in the southwest part of the town. He went out
the evening before, which was very dark, and in returning
home, as was supposed, he fell from the bridge.
1834, Feb. 25. A young man by the name of Adams,
while working at the factory in the Spring Village, had
his hand caught in a belt as it wasrunninor, which wound-
ed him so as to cause his death.
July 13, Elizabeth Goodspeed was killed. As she, with
others, was returning from meeting, they overtook a large
loaded wagon, and in attempting to pass by, the wagon.
132 HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
in which they were, turned over toward the large wagon ;
one hind wheel of which, came partly on her head and
neck, and thus deprived her of life.
Aug. 7. A child of Mr. Capron was drowned at the
Spring Village.
Simon Wilder was found dead in his bed at the poor-
house.
Susan Day, daughter of Mr. Daniel Day sen. was killed
by the fall of a tree.
Mary Goddard died in a fit while on a visit.
1835, Sept. 18. Joel Robbins of Rindge N. H. was
killed by a wagon, he was driving, near Mr. John Wood-
bury's saw mill.
1836, Sept. 2. Joseph Adams was killed by a log,
which he was drawing to a heap of wood, striking against
a stump and flying round and hitting him on the head.
He expired a few hours after receiving the blow.
1837, A boy 11 years old was drowned at the Spring
Village.
Mrs. Tisdale Howard died very suddenly.
Oct. 22. Mrs. John Arba Brooks died in a fit.
A child of Mr. Joel Hunt was scalded, so that it died.
1840. A girl died on the road near the Spring Village.
1840, Oct. 15. William, son of Mr. Edward Loud, was
killed by being caught in a belt and thrown round a shaft.
1841, July 26. Mrs. Phinehas Parks was found dead on
or near the stone. She had stepped out to get some fuel,
was first discovered by a young man in the neighborhood.
1842, Jan. 7. A child of Mr Peter Thomas, in the
North Village, was found dead in bed, when its mother
awoke in the night.
March 21. Deacon Luther Richardson died very sud-
NOTES. 133
denly in Mr. John Poor's mill yard, as he was looking
over a stock of boards.
Mrs. Samuel Brown, wife of the eldest Mr. Samuel
Brown, was found dead in her bed.
Widow Carter, mother of Mrs. David Beaman, found
dead in bed.
Jewett B. Darling found dead in his bed in the day-time.
1843, May 14. Phinehas Elwin Parks died suddenly
in bed.
1843, May 14. Col. Benjamin Adams died suddenly.
June 19. Capt. Joshua Stoddard died very suddenly.
July 1. A son of Mr. Harry Pitkins was drowned in
Miller's river when bathing.
1846, Mar^.h 25. A young man by the name of Weeks,
from New Salem, was killed by falling on to a water wheel.
April 2. A girl by the name of Taggart, aged 16 yrs.
from Sharon N. 11. had been working at the cotton fac-
tory in Spring Village, was missing and lost in Novem-
ber previous, and was found dead, having been frozen, at a
little distance from the road which leads from the Village
to N. H.
Aug. 11. Mr. Enoch Wyman's wdfe died suddenly
while about her work.
17. Mr. Moses Foskett's child, aged 2 years, was
drowned,
1847, Jan. 13. Mr. Humphrey Harris, was killed by
the fallino: of a tree.
INDEX OF NAMES
As the table of contents indicates the principal subjects, the index re-
lates to the names of persons, and to the pages where they are first men-
tioned in this work.
Page.
William Brown, 2d,
129
Benjamin Adams,
133 William Brown, 3d,
129
Oliver Adams,
12U Silas Brown,
130
Joseph Adams,
132 Bullard,
91
Adams,
131 Malachi Bullard,
6
Joseph Annable,
12 Nathaniel Burnam,
101
Daniel Appleton,
90 Rev. Burnham,
126
Daniel Balcom,
C)Q ,)ihn Burr,
115
Lincoln Balcom,
5^) Joel Butler,
60
Elizabeth Baldwin,
IS) Ebenezer Butler,
46
Samuel Baldwin,
131 Dillingham Caldwell,
71
Phinehas Ball,
15 ' Capron,
132
Thornton Barret,
r)3 Mrs. Carter,
133
Gamaliel C. Beaman,
o'J Nathaniel Caldwell,
71
Bellows,
83 Benjamin Chadwell,
71
A>drew Benjamin,
131 John Chamberlin,
129
Thomas Berry,
9 Edward Chapman,
72
Levi Bixby,
52
Rev. Mr. Chipman,
127
Nathaniel Bixby,
101
John Clioate,
^ S3
Stephen Bixby^
129
Mary Chubb,
60
Thomas Boardnian,
72
Nathaniel Clark,
79
Jonathan Bosworth,
91
Eber L. Clark,
41
Thaddeus Bowman,
t)2
Klam Clark,
125
John Boynton,
17
George Coffin,
44
Joseph Boynton,
17
George S. Coffin,
54
Benoni Boynton,
100
William Cogswell,
41
Ephraim Boynton,
Charles L. Brace,
100
Adam Cogswell,
71
59
Rev. Cooper,
45
Robert Bradish,
54
Samuel Crage,
102
Samuel Bradish,
28
Samuel Crosby,
115
Jonas Bradish,
54
Otis Crosby,
59
Jonas Bradish, jun..
60
John Crosby,
55
Francis Bridge,
54
Uriah Crooks,
129
Mrs. J. A. Brooks,
132
Robert Cross,
71
Joseph Brown,
6
Abzina Cummings,
130
David Brown,
55
Abner Curtice,
114
Samuel Brown, 2d,
53
John Cutter,
44
Samuel Brown, 3d,
131
John Darling,
50
Thomas Brown,
S4
Jewett B. Darling,
333
Rev. Brown,
45
Moses Davis,
72
Mrs. Samuel Brown,
133
Richard Day,
14
William Brown,
SS
John Day,
54
INDEX OF NAMES.
135
Daniel Day, 60
Susan Day, 2d, 132
D Denison, 71
John Denison, 71
Bev. Dnnn, 45
Amos Edmands, .')5
Artemas Edmands, 55
Abigail Edmands, 60
Stephen Emory, jnn.,59
Simonds Epes, 71
John Estey, 60
Jonathan Evans, 55
Edward Eveleth, 72
Ephraim Fitts, 72
Closes Foskett, 133
Jonathan Foster, 52
Abraham Foster, jr., 72
Simon Frost, 70
Klisha Fry, 130
Joshua Gale, 03
Henry Gardner, 27
Solomon Giddinge, 75
Isaac Giddinge, 75
J. G. Giles, 5S
Mary Goddard, 132
Alvah Godding, (iO
John R. Golding, 131
Lydia Golding, 131
Francis Goodhue, 12
Joseph Goodhue, 71
John Goodiiue, 72
Benj. Goodridge, 15
Philip Goodridge, 15
David Goodridge, 17
Daniel Goodridge, 51
Sewal (loodridge, 59
DavidGoodridge,2d,130
Eliza'th Goodspeed, 131
William Gordon, 45
Daniel Gonld, 5-1
Thomas Graton, 112
Rebekah Graton, 60
Samuel Griggs, 93
Isaac Grout, 54
Isaac Grout, jun. 131
Moses Hale, 17
Abner Hale, 52
Jacob Hale, 53
Amos Hale, 53
Nathaniel Kale, 53
Asa Hale, 60
Benjamin Hall, 112
ZibaHall, 113
John Harris, 70 j
Humphrey Harris, 133
George Hart, 71
Samuel Hartwell, 131
Edward Hartwell, 94
William Haskell, 71
Amos Heywood, 4-4
John Hobson, 83
! Aaron Hodskins, 101
; Hervev Holden, 131
• Mary Holt, 91
John Homer, 103
Math. Hooker, 72
Mary Hooker, 72
i Thomas Hovey, 74
I MrpTisdaleHoward,132
, William Hubbard, 122
i Daniel Hubbard, 114
i Samuel Hunt, 94
; Joel Hunt, 132
-jEzra Hyde, sen. 17
Reuben Hyde, 44
Klislia Hyde, 55
Samuel Ingalls, 72
: Rev. .Mr. Jennison, 127
! Kzekiel Jewett, 91
i Thomas Jewett, 9J^
Jona. Jewett, jun. 71
Peter Joslin, 17
j Benjamin Kidder, 92
[ Moses Kimball, 75
Matthew Knight, 54
, Luke Knight, 130
I Isaac Knuwlton, 71
; Lathi op, 131
John Leighton, 72
John Lord, 72
Nathaniel Lord, 72
Thomas Lord, jun. 72
Jeremiah Lord, 62
Bemsly Lord, 93
Wdliam Loud, 132
Edward Loud, 132
Oliver Lovejoy, 17
David Low, 71
Thomas Lufkin, 70
Mary Lufkin, 70
TheophilusMansfield,52
James Mansfield, 52
John Martin, 75
Isaac Martin, 84
Barzillai Martin, 62
A. P. Marvin, 6
Thaddeus Mason, 69
Cotton Mather, 122
Daniel May, 60
Seth Maynard, 53
James McEIwaIn,
Amos Merriam,
A. H. Merriam,
Thomas Metcalf,
Joseph Metcalf,
Miller,
Robert Moffat,
Levi Moor,
Jonathan Moor,
M. S. Morse,
Daniel 0. Morton,
James Murdock,
Mrs. Jas. Murdock,
Ephraim Murdock,
Elisha Murdock,
Edward Nealand,
Robert Nelson,
Edward ^ewton,
Levi Nichols,
5.1
53
59
72
72
18
128
44
125
6
43
52
60
57
6
71
72
61
17
Thomas Norton, jun. 10
Nicholas Noyes, 72
Samuel Noyes, 54
James Noves, 54
Seth Oaks, 52
VVm. Oaks, 52
William Oaks, jun. 128
James Otis, 22
Parker, 83
Jacob Parks, 60
Mrs PhineliasParks,132
Phinehas E. Parks, 133
Peter Parmenter, 130
Barthol'w Pearsons, 14
Cyrus Partridge, 130
Edward Payson, 54
Rev Peckhara, 127
Moses Peirce, 71
Ebenezer Perkins, 127
A. C. Perkins, 126
Abraham Perkins, 70
Dudley Perley, 17
Thomas Perrin, 71
Levi Pilsbury, 42
Sarah Pilsbury, 52
John Pindar, 72
Harry Pitkins, 133
William Poland, 17
Samuel Poland, 70
Mrs.William Poland, 60
David Poor, 51
.John Poor, 12
Kzra Porter, 6
Gabriel Pouchey, 50
Nathan Pouchey, 93
Samuel Prentice, 44
136
INDEX OF NAMES.
Levi Prentiss, 44'
Joseph Priest, 20
Kben'r Pulcipher, 70
Miles Putnam, oi
J. Quincy, 69
Paul Raymond, 1 '
Paul Raymond, 3d. 44
James Raymond, 17
Lyman Raymond, 50
David Rice, J 16
Benjamin Rice, V2S
Richardson, NJ
Luther Richardson, 133
John Ring, }}
Joseph Robbins, 129
Lewis Robbins, 131
Llaria Robbins, J 31
Daniel Robbins, 129
Joel Robbins, 132
John Ross, 72
Thomas Rugg, ^2
Rachel Rust, 70
Lewis Sabin, 126
Jacob Scott, , 60
Ebenezer Sherwm, o-i
Mrs. Lucy Sherwin, 5o
S. S. Smith, 12b
Mrs. Jona. Smith, 129
Barthol'w Stearns, 130
Bart'w Stearns, jun. 129
James Steel, 113
Daniel Stimpson, 40
Luther Stimson, 93
Jona. Stimson, 51
Joseph Stimson, 102
Samuel Stimson, 129
Joshua Stoddard, 133
W. R. Stone, 126
Joseph Storv, 130
Enoch Stuart, 130
Paul Stuart, 131
Jabez Sweet, 70
Joseph Sweetser, 114
Miss Taggart, 133
Isaac Taylor, 60
Peter Thomas, 133
John Thompson, 71
Abraham Tilton, 9
Samuel Tilus, 102
Samuel H. Tolman, 59
Desire Tolman, 92
Rufus C. Torrey, &5
Thomas Tredwell, 71
Nathaniel Tredwell, 82
Seth Tucker, sen. 60
Charles Tuttle, 50
Simon Tuttle, 50
E. R. Tyler, 127
Jonathan Wade, 6
Barret Washburn, 59
Weeks,
133
Moses Wells, S9
Wetherbee, 83
Tho's Lord Wharton,99
Wheeler, 63
Israel Whitcomb, 129
Windsor White, 6
Benjamin White, 70
William Whitney, 55
Phinehas Whitney, 93
William B. Whitney, 6
Webster Whitney, 6
Silas Whitney, 101
Jacob Whitney, 62
Elias Whitney, 130
Joseph Whitney, 53
Israel Whiton, 6
J . M. Whiton, 6
Abel Wilder, 25
Thomas Wilder, 92
Joseph Wilder, 55
Simon Wilder, 132
Henry Wise, 74.
Aaron Winch, 13'J
Visc't Wincheudon, 100
John Wood, 71
Reuben Wyman, 100
Thos. Wyman, sen. 130
Thos. Wyman, jun. 130
Mrs.Enoch Wyman, 133
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